Solve Diffusion Homework Problem: Vacancy Concentration at 687K

  • Thread starter Thread starter ScareCrow271828
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diffusion
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the vacancy concentration in zinc at 687K, given an activation energy of 72 kJ per mole. The formula used is Nv = N exp(-Q/kT), but the user encounters issues with the exponent term resulting in zero. It is suggested that the activation energy (Q) should be expressed per vacancy rather than per mole, leading to the idea of dividing Q by Avogadro's number to convert it to kJ/atom. The correct application of the Boltzmann constant in the formula is also emphasized to ensure unit consistency. Proper unit conversion is crucial for accurately solving the vacancy concentration problem.
ScareCrow271828
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The activation energy of vacany formation in Zinc is 72kj per mole. What is the vacancy concentration at 687k

Homework Equations


Nv=Nexp(-Q/kt)
N=p(Na/A)

The Attempt at a Solution


Seems very straight forward.
Although I keep getting zero for the exponent term.
Nv=(7,14g/cm^3)(6.02e23 atom/mole)/(65.382g/mol)xEXP((-72000J/mol/((1.3807E-23 J/k)(687k)=0

Something is definately fishy with the units. What am I missing? If I convert the Qv into eV/atom and use 8.61 eV/K I can get a number.

Thanks for your time.

[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I believe that Q in the formula needs to be expressed as activation energy per vacancy rather than activation energy per mole of vacancies.
 
TSny said:
I believe that Q in the formula needs to be expressed as activation energy per vacancy rather than activation energy per mole of vacancies.
Thanks for the response. would dividing Q by Avogadro's number to get Q (kJ/atom) work? Boltzman constant is actually j/k*atom right? so the units would match then.
 
ScareCrow271828 said:
Thanks for the response. would dividing Q by Avogadro's number to get Q (kJ/atom) work? Boltzman constant is actually j/k*atom right? so the units would match then.
Yes.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
14K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
96K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Replies
9
Views
5K