What is the solution for calculating diffusion constant in biophysics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a biophysics problem involving ants placed on a smooth table, where their distribution is analyzed in concentric circles after one minute. The key objectives are to calculate the average displacement, root-mean-squared displacement, and the diffusion constant. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding relevant information, noting that most resources focus on molecular diffusion involving temperature and viscosity, rather than on the ant scenario. There is a suggestion that the solution may involve a Gaussian distribution, and the poster seeks clarification on terminology and guidance for solving the problem. The poster also acknowledges a potential misplacement of the question in the forum and asks if the thread should be deleted.
3=MCsq
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Hey everybody, first post here. Having some trouble with a biophysics questions. So, the question is basically this: You have a certain number of ants, you place them in the center of a large smooth table and after 1 minute a snapshot is taken and the number of ants in 5cm concentric circles is counted.

InitialPoint. -5cm-- 2ants --5cm-- 5ants --5cm-- ... and so on.

I need to find the average displacement, the root-mean-squared displacement, and the diffusion constant. I've looked everywhere in my notes and online but all I can find is the solution for molecules using the temperature and viscosity of the fluid. I'm pretty sure the solution is a Gaussian distribution.

Maybe is there another name for average displacement, or I'm over thinking it. The diffusion constant is where I'm really stuck. I don't know what other info I can give, it's my first post so maybe so advice on the problem and my post would be the most beneficial.

THanks 3=MC
 
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I didn't realize there was a homework section. My bad. Although any direction to the solution would be appreciated. Should I deleted this thread?

3=MC
 
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