NEPF Lab 4.

Experimental Observation of Diffusion Coefficient

This lab is done at home, not in 109. Do not come to 109 on Oct. 12 or 13
A formal report is due on October 20, by 1 pm.
Objective: Estimate the coefficient of diffusion in water for the tannins found in tea.
For this lab you will design and execute an experiment at home to estimate the molecular diffusion
coefficient for tannins. A tea bag is a good source of tannins, after it is placed in warm water.
However, as the tea adds color to the water, the water also becomes denser. Keep in mind that
denser fluid will sink. In addition, horizontal gradients in density can generate horizontal advection,
as the heavier fluid sinks and then flows horizontally beneath the lighter fluid. When setting up the
experiment, you will need to eliminate or minimize all motions within the fluid in order to isolate
molecular diffusion. This will not be easy. So, please consider that the general goal of the lab is to
estimate the coefficient of diffusion within your particular experimental set-up, and then to explain
the mechanisms contributing to the observed diffusion. The closer you get to molecular diffusivity,
the less you will need to explain, and the more impressed I will be. The molecular diffusion
coefficient is O(10-6 cm2s-1). When carried out properly, the experiment will take several hours, so
plan accordingly. You may conduct the experiment alone or in a team of up to three people, but
each team member must write their own report.
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The team with the best experimental design

will be excused from one future informal lab of their choice [Lab 6, 7, or 8]
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Lab Report:
Prepare a formal lab report, as outlined in the handout, Nepf Lab Reports in 1.106.
As part of your discussion, please reflect on the following points.
1. Is the transport you observed due solely to molecular diffusion? If not, what other mechanisms
are contributing? Use a sketch to clarify your description.
2. Which measured quantity contributed the most uncertainty to your estimate of diffusivity?
Defend your answer using the methods described in Evaluation and Propagation of Uncertainty.
3. If you were to run the experiment a second time, how would you improve it? Be specific.