Can moisture be repel or attract using forces?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using a force field to separate moisture from air, specifically through the use of a centrifuge or electrostatic charge. It is mentioned that gas molecules will naturally partition themselves based on weight, potentially allowing for the separation of moisture. The concept of hydrophilia and hydrophobia is also brought up as a possible explanation for the attraction and repulsion of water molecules. The idea of using an electrostatic precipitator to condense water is suggested as an alternative to traditional cooling methods.
  • #1
kevin_tee
80
2
Can moisture be repel or attract using some kind of force field such as electric field without actually blowing it, is it possible to separate air and moisture? Does centrifuge force strong enough to separate it? Or is it any other ways to separate moisture form air? Thanks alot.
 
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  • #3
In equilibrium, gas molecules will partition themselves in a column of air in accordance with a Boltzmann distribution. A centrifuge creates an artificial gravity, so heavier molecules will be moved to the outside. In air, you have mostly N2 (28), O2 (32), H2O (18). The atomic masses are in parentheses. So H2O would be sucked to the inside. But then something weird happens. If it condenses on the inside, the liquid water is very dense and will get thrown to the outside, where it could evaporate again. Maybe if you collect it at the outside, it would work. I have no idea.
 
  • #4
I think significant condensation would require really powerful centrifuges unless the humidity is very close to 100%. Something like a few hundred meters/second velocity at the outer edge of the centrifuge chambers.
 
  • #6
Thanks for answering, most common way to condense water is to cool it, but I don't want to use this method, I am thinking of using electrostatic charge to condense water. Is that possible? I got an idea from electrostatic precipitator, will that work for water vapor? Thank?
 

1. Can moisture be repelled or attracted by electrical forces?

Yes, moisture can be repelled or attracted by electrical forces. Water molecules have a slight dipole moment, meaning one side of the molecule is slightly positively charged and the other side is slightly negatively charged. This makes water molecules susceptible to electrical forces, which can either repel or attract them depending on the charge.

2. How do hydrophobic and hydrophilic forces affect moisture?

Hydrophobic forces are forces that repel water molecules, while hydrophilic forces are forces that attract water molecules. These forces can affect moisture by either causing it to be repelled or attracted to a certain surface or material. For example, a hydrophobic surface will repel moisture, while a hydrophilic surface will attract moisture.

3. Can moisture be repelled or attracted by magnetic forces?

No, moisture is not affected by magnetic forces. Water molecules do not have a magnetic moment, meaning they are not attracted or repelled by magnetic forces. Therefore, magnetic forces cannot be used to repel or attract moisture.

4. How does surface tension play a role in repelling or attracting moisture?

Surface tension is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to contract and resist external forces. In the case of moisture, surface tension can cause water molecules to stick together and create a barrier between the moisture and a surface. This can either repel or attract moisture, depending on the surface's properties.

5. Is it possible to use mechanical forces to repel or attract moisture?

Yes, mechanical forces can be used to repel or attract moisture. For example, a fan blowing air onto a wet surface can help to repel moisture by creating a barrier of moving air. Similarly, a vacuum can be used to attract moisture, as it creates a force that pulls moisture towards it.

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