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10/10/2018 What is Brownian motion in physics?

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CONCEPTUAL | COMMENT

What is Brownian motion in physics?

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 00:15 IST


UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 23:59 IST

This refers to the random and erratic movement of microscopic particles that are suspended in
any fluid, like water or oil. Brownian motion is the result of the impact of the random
bombardment of microscopic particles by the variety of fast-moving molecules that
constitute the fluid. Larger objects do not witness as much random movement as microscopic
particles when suspended in various fluids. The phenomenon is named after the English
botanist Robert Brown, who in 1827 discovered the molecular composition of matter through
the observation of the random movement of pollen grains in a liquid.

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