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Vapor in Air Diffusion PDF
Vapor in Air Diffusion PDF
= …………………………………………………..(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
………………………………………………………………..(1.3)
…………………………………………………………………..(1.4)
…………………………………………………….…………… (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)
This amount is responsible for the decrease in the level of acetone thus
…………………………………………………………(1.8)
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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)
…………………………………………………………… (1.12)
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.
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Before switching on the power clean the apparatus, T tube and fill the water bath with
water ¾th 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
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1.6.1 OBSERVATIONS
OBSERVATION TABLE:
1.6.2 CALCULATION
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
1.7 RESULT
Diffusivity of acetone found at different temperature is shown in following table and graph
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1.8 CONCLUSION
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