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1. Vapor in Air Diffusion

1.1 AIM

To determine the diffusion coefficient (DAB) of Acetone (A) in air (B).

To study the effect of temperature on the diffusion coefficient

1.2 THEORY
Diffusion is concerned with the movement of individual molecules through a substance by virtue
of their thermal energy. In the diffusion process, the molecules of interest flow from regions of
high concentration to low concentration. Mathematically diffusion is governed by the equation
1.1
=

..(1.1)

Where
Total molar flux of A,
mole fraction of A in the mixture of A and B, is the
total flux of A and B with respect to the stationary observer,
flux of A due to molecular
diffusion
The molecular diffusion is given by Ficks law as in equation (1.2)
(CA1 > CA2 in increasing direction of z)(1.2)
is diffusivity coefficient of A diffusing in B. It is defined as the amount of mole of A
diffused per unit area per unit time when concentration gradient of A along the decreasing
concentration path is unity. Its SI unit is m2/s.
In case of steady state diffusion of A through stagnant B, NB = 0 equation 1.2 transforms to
..(1.3)
For ideal gas law
..(1.4)
Where P is total pressure, PA is the partial pressure of A in mixture of A and B. On integrating
equation 1.4 within the limit Z = (0, Z) and PA = (PA1, PA2) respectively we get
. (1.5)
Equation 1.5 is derived by taking an assumption of pseudo steady state in which NA is not
changing with time. Equation 1.5 when applied to Stephen tube experiment can be used to find

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out mole of liquid diffusing at a particular instant and level of liquid in the tube shown in fig 1.1.
Figure shows the process of diffusion of acetone in air. In this case air is stagnant and it will not
diffuse in liquid. At the upper part of the tube gentle air is flowing so that liquid vapors are not
accumulated. We can assume that air quantity is large enough so that composition of liquid vapor
is negligible at top position.
At the interface of air and liquid we can assume vapor pressure of liquid PAO equals the partial
pressure of acetone at that temperature.

Figure: 1.1 Stephen tube containing liquid diffusing under gentle flow of air
After some time
liquid level decreases from Z1 to Z2 due to diffusion. The unsteady state
situation can also be assumed to be pseudo-steady state assumption as acetone level decreases
very slowly.
Putting the value of PA1 and PA2 in equation 1.5 gives equation 1.6
(1.6)
Amount (mole) of liquid diffuses in time interval

is given by

..(1.7)
This

amount

is

responsible

for

the

decrease

in

the

level

of

acetone

(1.8)
Putting the value of NA this equation can be written as

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thus

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.. (1.9)
On integrating we get
(1.10)
Usually the absolute value of Z is not available or not measured during the experiment. In-spite
of this value of (Z1-Z2) can be found out experimentally hence equation 1.10 can be written as
(1.11)
Plotting the value

should yield a straight line with slope

(1.12)

Thus from equation 1.12

(1.13)

1.1 EXPERIMENTAL SET UP

The equipment consists of a T tube made of glass, placed in a water bath. Water bath is provided
with heater. Temperature of the bath is controlled by the digital temperature controller. Stirrer is
given to maintain the constant temperature in bath. Air pump is provided to supply the air,
passed through the tube. Change in the liquid level is observed by the travelling microscope with
sliding vernier scale.

Figure 1.2 Experimental set up (vapor in air diffusion apparatus)

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1.4 CHEMICAL REQUIRED
Chemicals: Sample liquid (Acetone) and water
1.5 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Before switching on the power clean the apparatus, T tube and fill the water bath with
water th of its capacity.
Set the water bath temperature (between 35oC to 50oC)
Switch ON the heater and stirrer.
Wait till the bath attains the set temperature. Note the steady temperature of the bath.
Fill the T-tube with Acetone solution up-to 2 cm. of the capillary leg.
Note down the initial height of liquid in the capillary as (Z1).
Make the connection with air pump and allow a gentle current of air to flow over the
capillary.
Record the height of liquid in the capillary after every 20 min as (Z2).
Repeat the experiment for 5 diff. water bath temperatures (between 35oC to 50oC).
Plot diffusion co-efficient against absolute temperature on a log - log graph and
determine the slope.
When exp. Is over stop the air supply, Switch OFF the heater and stirrer, Switch OFF the
main power supply and Clean the tube and drain the water bath

1.6 OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

6.1 DATA
Total pressure (P)
Real gas constant (R)
Molecular wt. of liquid (MA)
Density of liquid (
at temperature T1
Density of liquid (
at temperature T2
Density of liquid (
at temperature T3
Density of liquid (
at temperature T4
Density of liquid (
at temperature T5
Partial press. of liquid at top of tube (PA1) at temperature T1
Partial press. of liquid at top of tube (PA1) at temperature T2
Partial press. of liquid at top of tube (PA1) at temperature T3
Partial press. of liquid at top of tube (PA1) at temperature T4
Partial press. of liquid at top of tube (PA1) at temperature T5

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VALUE

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1.6.1 OBSERVATIONS
OBSERVATION TABLE:
S. no

Temperature
(OC)

Initial time

Final time

Initial height
(cm)

Final height
(cm)

1.6.2 CALCULATION
To find the diffusivity of acetone in air
Plot the value
From the slope of the straight line (S) diffusivity coefficient can be calculated as

Similarly repeating the calculations at different temperature we get different values for diffusion
co-efficient. Draw log-log between temperature and diffusivity

Find the value of n to relate temperature dependence of diffusivity

1.7 RESULT
Diffusivity of acetone found at different temperature is shown in following table and graph
Sl .No.

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Temperature (oC)

Diffusivity (m2/s)

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1.8 CONCLUSION

1.9 PRECAUTIONS AND MAINTENCE INSTRUCTIONS

Dont switch ON the heater before filling water in the bath
Microscope focus should be clear, if no then adjust it.

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