Understanding Brownian Motion: The Theory Behind Random Particle Movement

In summary, the conversation covers the topic of particle movement and the theory of brownian motion. The participants discuss the idea of particles moving in random paths and explore the concept of energy left over from the big bang. They also touch on the idea of conservation of momentum and how it applies to atomic-level movements. Overall, the conversation helps to provide a better understanding of why particles move in random paths and how this relates to various scientific theories.
  • #1
bobsmith76
336
0
Is there a theory regarding why particles move in random paths. My high school physics teacher said it's energy left over from the big bang, but that doesn't explain why they move in random paths, they could just as easily obey Newton's Laws of Motion and still have energy left over from the Big Bang.
 
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  • #2
Aaaaah! They said WHAT?!

Here is a good place to start on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownian_motion" .

On the scale of individual molecules, particles are rapidly undergoing collisions for all of the other particles. Its like bumper cars. A particle will get bumped in one direction, then it will get bumped in another, and another... and you end up with 'brownian motion' or the 'random walk'.

On larger scales, like small dust particles, brownian motion can still be important. For particles as large as dust, TONS and TONS of particles are ALWAYS bumping into them from all sides. Every once and a while they get bumped a little extra hard in one direction, however, and then a fraction of a second later, they get bumped extra hard in another direction----thus they also can undergo brownian motion.

Hope that helps; and let me know if you still have questions.
 
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  • #3
But I thought particles could change direction for no reason. Is that true?
 
  • #4
No they would have to have a force acting upon them to do this
 
  • #5
rc1102 is correct.
Note that if they did randomly change directions, that would violate conservation of momentum.
 
  • #6
What was conservation of momentum, I vaguely remember it but can't remember the details
 
  • #7
I'm talking about on the atomic level. Aren't things different on the atomic level? Or is it just when they crash into another atom they do not behave as billiard balls and fly at any angle they choose?
 
  • #8
Billiard balls and particles do not move in a random direction they move into a fixed direction given by a collision. That is not random and so they do not "choose" a direction move in.
 

1. What is the origin of Brownian motion?

Brownian motion is named after the British botanist Robert Brown, who observed random movement of pollen particles suspended in water under a microscope in 1827. However, the first mathematical explanation of Brownian motion was given by Albert Einstein in 1905, based on the kinetic theory of gases.

2. How is Brownian motion related to the motion of particles?

Brownian motion is a type of random motion exhibited by particles in a fluid. It is caused by the collision of fluid molecules with the particles, resulting in their random movement. This phenomenon is also known as molecular diffusion.

3. What factors affect the speed of Brownian motion?

The speed of Brownian motion is affected by the temperature of the fluid, the size of the particles, and the viscosity of the fluid. Higher temperatures, smaller particles, and lower viscosity all lead to faster Brownian motion.

4. How is Brownian motion used in scientific research?

Brownian motion is used in various fields of science, including physics, chemistry, and biology. It is used to study the properties of fluids, measure the diffusion coefficient of particles, and understand the behavior of molecules in a liquid. In biology, Brownian motion is used to study the movement of cells and other microscopic particles.

5. Can Brownian motion be observed in macroscopic objects?

Yes, Brownian motion can also be observed in macroscopic objects, although it is more noticeable in smaller particles. For example, the movement of smoke particles in the air or dust particles in water are both examples of Brownian motion on a larger scale.

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