Question

We can use everyday household items to construct a simple diffusion cell to measure the binary diffusion coefficient in the gas phase by using Eq. (18.2-19).

Using a plastic straw, for example, we can seal one end and fill the straw with a volatile liquid such as isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or acetone (nail polish remover). By following the decrease in liquid level with time, we can fit Eq. (18.2-19) to the data in order to determine the diffusion coefficient of the vapor in air.

You are to construct this system and carry out the experiment ON YOUR OWN.

Please follow the report format given in the assignments folder on Bb. You must use Eq. (18.2-19), since the data will be nonlinear.

Compare your result to literature values obtained from library resources as shown in class (CRC Chemistry and Physics, Perry’s Chemical Engineers Handbook, Journal of Physical Chemistry Reference Data, and other scholarly web references).

Answer 1