Solving the Concentration Gradient: A Calculation Challenge

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a calculation issue regarding the concentration gradient of nitrogen in a heat exchanger using FCC iron. The provided solution manual's calculations for the concentration gradient do not seem to align with the user's understanding, particularly concerning the volume of the cell in the denominator. The user resolves the issue by recognizing that the volume of the cell must be included in the calculation. Additionally, the user expresses frustration with their professor's reliance on the solutions manual without verification. Accurate calculations are essential for determining the nitrogen flux through the foil.
tkuehl
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I have a problem with calculating the concentration gradiant. Here is the question and the solution from the solution manual and the numbers don't add up.

A 1-mm sheet of FCC iron is used to contain nitrogen in a heat exchanger at 1200℃. The concentration of N at one surface is 0.04 atomic percent and the concentration at the second surface is 0.005 atomic percent. Determine the flux of nitrogen through the foil in atoms/cm2−s.

solution
(a) Ac/Ax = [.00005 - .0004]*4 atoms/cell(3.589E-8)^3
--------------------------------------------
.1cm
=-3.03 x 1020 N atoms/cm3-cm

(b) J=-D(Ac/Ax) = -0.0034 exp[-34,600/(1.987)(1473)](-3.03 x 1020)
= 7.57 x 1012 N atoms/cm2-s

I would like to know how they get the answer in part a.
 
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I figured it out. the volume of the cell needs to be in the denominator. Our professor takes everything out of the solutions manual and never checks it.
 
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