Brownian Motion: Mass and size of Brownian particle

In summary, for observation of Brownian motion, the mass and size of the Brownian particle must be small. The magnitude of Brownian forcing scales with temperature and viscosity, and inversely with particle mass. The Peclet number may also play a role in determining if a particle can undergo Brownian motion.
  • #1
Avi Nandi
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For observation of Brownian motion, the mass and the size of the Brownian particle should be very small. Within what range the size and mass of the Brownian particle should lie?? Can a particle with small mass and bigger size and vice versa can undergo Brownian motion??
 
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  • #2
Wouldn't the answer depend on the magnitude of the forces?

In the surf of an angry sea, even boulders are tossed around. Ditto for solid objects in a boiling lava pool.
 
  • #3
Avi Nandi said:
For observation of Brownian motion, the mass and the size of the Brownian particle should be very small. Within what range the size and mass of the Brownian particle should lie?? Can a particle with small mass and bigger size and vice versa can undergo Brownian motion??

In the Langevin approach, the magnitude of Brownian forcing scales with temperature and viscosity and inversely with particle mass.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langevin_equation

In terms of analysis, I suspect you are looking at the Peclet number (convected flow vs. diffusive motion)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Péclet_number
 

1. What is Brownian motion?

Brownian motion is the random movement of particles suspended in a fluid. It was first observed by the scientist Robert Brown in the 19th century.

2. How does Brownian motion occur?

Brownian motion occurs due to the collision of fluid molecules with the particles. These collisions result in a random, erratic movement of the particles.

3. How does the mass of a Brownian particle affect its motion?

The mass of a Brownian particle has a direct impact on its motion. Heavier particles will move slower and have less frequent changes in direction compared to lighter particles.

4. How does the size of a Brownian particle affect its motion?

The size of a Brownian particle also affects its motion. Smaller particles will experience more frequent collisions with fluid molecules, resulting in a faster and more erratic motion compared to larger particles.

5. How is Brownian motion related to temperature?

Brownian motion is directly related to temperature. As the temperature increases, the fluid molecules have more energy and collide with the particles more frequently, leading to a faster and more pronounced Brownian motion.

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