RESULTS

The results obtained from the experiment were tabulated and graphed in a temperature VS diffusion
coefficient plot. In addition to that, the values obtained from calculation using Lennard-Jones equation
were also plotted in the same graph for comparison. However, diffusion coefficient values using Gilliland
Equation were not included in the graph since the constants needed for its calculation weren’t available
online and no reference book was found containing these constants.

Acetone
360
353 353
350

340
Trmperature

330 Exptl
L-J
320

310

300
0.00E+00 2.00E-08 4.00E-08 6.00E-08 8.00E-08 1.00E-07
Diffusivity

Fig 1. Temperature VS Diffusivity coefficient of Acetone

ETHYL ACETATE
360
353 353
350

340
Trmperature

330 Exptl
L-J
320

310

300
0.00E+00 1.00E+00 2.00E+00 3.00E+00 4.00E+00 5.00E+00
Diffusivity

Fig 2 Temperature VS Diffusivity Coefficient of Ethyl Acetate

Similar observations were made for ethyl acetate and acetone. It can be seen from figures 1 and 2 that
the experimental results were larger than the calculated data obtained from Lennard-Jones equation.
Aside from that, it is also worth noting that as the temperature increases, the diffusion coefficient of
these two compounds also increases.

Isopropyl Alcohol
360
353 353
350

340
Trmperature

330 Exptl
L-J
320

310

300
1.00E-08 2.00E-08 3.00E-08 4.00E-08 5.00E-08 6.00E-08
Diffusivity

Figure 3 Temperature VS Diffusion Coefficient of Isopropyl Alcohol

Ethanol
360

350

340
Temperature

330 Exptl
L-J
320

310

300
1.00E-08 2.00E-08 3.00E-08 4.00E-08 5.00E-08 6.00E-08 7.00E-08 8.00E-08
Diffusivity

Figure 4 Temperature VS Diffusion Coefficient of Ethanol

 Methanol
360

350

340
Temperature
330 Exptl
L-J
320

310

300
0.00E+00 1.00E+00 2.00E+00 3.00E+00 4.00E+00 5.00E+00
Diffusivity

Figure 5 Temperature VS Diffusion Coefficient of Methanol

Figures 3, 4 and 5 also show the relationship of temperature and diffusion coefficient of ethanol and
isopropyl alcohol. Unlike the first two figures, the experimental graph in this figure is not linear since the
diffusion coefficients at 338K are lower than the values in 323K. However, the value of diffusion
coefficient is closest to its Lennard-Jones counterpart at this temperature.

Discussion

The experimental data deviates greatly from the calculated value using Lennard-Jones equation. This
may be due to some human errors made during the experiment. Some of these errors may include (1)
accuracy in measuring the length of the liquid inside the capillary, (2) air and bubble entrapped inside
the capillary tube, and (3) instability of the experimenters during the 10 min and 15 min period which
may have cause some of the liquid to drop out of the capillary tube and (4) Fluctuating temperature.

Three out of five components also shows a non-linear relationship which should have been linear since
temperature and diffusion coefficient are directly proportional. This theory was affirmed in acetone and
ethyl acetate.

Conclusion/Recommendation

In conclusion, temperature is one of the most vital variable in diffusion. It can affect the rate of diffusion
through diffusion coefficient. Any increase in temperature will result in increase in the value of the
diffusion coefficient and as result, will increase the rate of mass diffusivity.