Some help with deriving svedberg equilibrium equatio please

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on deriving the Svedberg equilibrium equation related to analytical ultracentrifugation. The user seeks clarification on the steps transitioning from the equation involving concentration gradient to its logarithmic form. Key variables include the gas constant (R), temperature (T), Avogadro's number (N), frictional coefficient (f), solute concentration (C), distance from the rotor center (r), molar mass (M), partial specific volume (v̄), solvent density (p), and rotational velocity (w). The user acknowledges a gap in their calculus skills, specifically in manipulating derivatives and logarithmic functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of analytical ultracentrifugation principles
  • Familiarity with the Svedberg equation and its components
  • Basic calculus, particularly differentiation and logarithmic functions
  • Knowledge of physical chemistry concepts, including gas laws and concentration gradients
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  • Study the derivation of the Svedberg equation in detail
  • Review calculus concepts, focusing on derivatives and logarithmic differentiation
  • Explore the principles of analytical ultracentrifugation and its applications in biochemistry
  • Examine the textbook 'Principles of Physical Biochemistry', second edition, for further insights
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Students and researchers in biochemistry, particularly those studying analytical ultracentrifugation and its mathematical foundations, as well as individuals seeking to refresh their calculus skills.

HS-experiment
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Hello Physics Forums,

I am studying the equations related to analytical ultracentrifugation. The equation I am interested in describes centrifugation equilibrium, ie at the point in time when sedimentation is balanced with diffusion in the ultracentrifuge. Fortunately, unlike the Lamm equation, this one can be solved analytically.

I found the following in a textbook. Can someone please explain to me the steps taken going from the first equation to the next?

## \frac {RT}{Nf } \frac{dC}{dr} = \frac{M(1-\bar vp)w^2rC}{Nf} ##

We now write the derivative as dC/dr, because at equilibrium, C is a function only of r, not also of t. We can factor out the Nf on both sides and again rearrange to

## \frac{dln(C)}{d(r^2)}=\frac{M(1-\bar vp)w^2}{2RT} ##

where
R = gas constant
T = temperature
N = avogadro's number
f = frictional coefficient
C = concentration of solute
r = distance from center of rotor
M = molar mass
## \bar v ## = partial specific volume
p = density of solvent
## w^2 ## = rotational velocity
In particular, I don't know what to do after I remove Nf and move RT to the right hand side of the equation.

## \frac{dC}{dr}=\frac{M(1-\bar vp)w^2rC}{RT} ##

I think that it is something simple, but my math ability is really bad.

Many thanks.

BTW This is taken fom the textbook 'Principles of Physical Biochemistry', second edition.
 
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This is a little first year calculus: ## \frac{d \, \ln{C}}{dC}=\frac{1}{C} ## so that ## \frac{dC}{C}=d ( \ln{C}) ##. Meanwhile ## \frac{d (r^2)}{dr}=2r ## so that ## r \, dr=\frac{1}{2} d( r^2) ##. ## \\ ## Recommendation is to use the homework template next time and post in the homework section. I think this one is ok where it is, but the Mentors might move it to the homework section.
 
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Hi Charles. Thanks a lot for your explanation and sorry if I placed this question in the wrong directory. My calculus course is coming back to me through a haze .. I forgot that when you are taking a derivative you need to add the fraction in front ## \frac{1}{2}d(r^2) ## to end up with the correct answer. I should really take a refresher course some time :smile:
 
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