Making a Uniform Mixture of Helium Gas

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on estimating the time required to achieve a uniform mixture of helium gas in a spherical vessel with a diameter of 1 meter. The initial condition involves filling the vessel with 4He gas at one atmosphere pressure, followed by the introduction of a small amount of 3He gas. The solution involves applying Fick's law of diffusion and the concept of root mean square travel distance in a random walk to determine the mixing time. The user ultimately concludes that they have arrived at the final answer after extensive calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fick's law of diffusion
  • Knowledge of root mean square travel distance in random walks
  • Familiarity with gas laws, specifically the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
  • Basic skills in geometry to calculate area and volume of a sphere
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Fick's law of diffusion in detail
  • Explore the concept of random walks and their applications in diffusion
  • Learn about gas mixing techniques and their efficiencies
  • Investigate advanced methods for achieving uniform gas mixtures in laboratory settings
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Students and researchers in physics and chemistry, particularly those focusing on gas dynamics and diffusion processes.

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Homework Statement

Question
This is an experiment on a dilute isotopic mixture of helium gas. A spherical vessel of
diameter 1 m is first filled with 4He gas to one atmosphere pressure. Then a small
amount of 3He gas is introduced through a valve on one side of the vessel. Make a
rough estimate of how long one must wait before a uniform mixture has formed (use
the result for the time dependence of the root mean square travel distance in a
random walk in 1D.) Suggest a better way to make a uniform mixture.

Homework Equations



Area = pi (diameter/2)^2 , pv =nrt , ficks law of diffusion , Mass flux = 1/3lv

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure where to start from. I am reading about fick's law of diffusion right now however I'd love tobe pointed out in the right direction.

Since the question asks for time dependence then isn't second law the most obvious equation to use ?
edit: hm.. as i was reading i came across this idea.. how about i get the area first, then divide volume by area to give me the 'length' which i can plug into ficks equation if I am not mistaken.
Appreciate your help.
 
Last edited:
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Anyone?
 
Never mind.. can one of the moderators please close this thread. I have figured out the final answer,etc.. took me countless sheets but it was worth it.
 

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