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Question

What is Brownian motion? Who observed it first?


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Solution

Understanding the concept:

  • Brownian motion is the term used to describe the random movement that microscopic particles exhibit while suspended in fluids.
  • It is commonly termed the Brownian movement.
  • Collisions between the particles and other quickly moving atoms or particles in the fluid cause this motion.

Explanation of first observation of this motion:

  • Brownian motion is named after the Scottish Botanist Robert Brown, who first observed that pollen grains move in random directions when placed in water.
  • An illustration describing the random movement of fluid particles (caused by the collisions between these particles) is provided below.
  • When a particle collides with another particle, it alters its trajectory. The particle starts to move randomly and zigzags as it encounters more collisions. Between the particles, there is an exchange or transfer of momentum and energy.

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