Transport phenomena, diffusion.

We have discussed diffusion and several similar transport phenomena this term. Lets look at these from a different perspective. The
common structure of these models is that
[1] The flux of a quantity is proportional to the concentration gradient for that quantity.
[2] The process runs on the random motion of particles.
[3] The concentration gradient serves as the force driving the flow.
[4] Equilibrium is attained when the gradient is zero.
[5] At equilibrium, particles flow in all directions equally giving no net flux.
[6] No additional energy is required to drive the process.
Process

Quantity

concentration

gradient

flow

relation
1 C
C
D
A t
t

Diffusion

molecules

Concentration

C/x

moles/s

Osmosis

molecules

Solvent concentration

=cRT

moles/s

Heat conduction

heat

Temperature

T/d

Joules/s

1 Q
T
kT
A t
d

Electric conduction

electric charge Potential or Voltage

V/L

Amps = C/s

V I
1 V
;
R
A L

This depends on R = L/A and V = kq/r, so a larger concentration of charge gives a larger potential.
Notice that flow described by Bernoullis equation doesnt fit here since it isnt driven by a concentration gradient nor is that flow
produced by the random motion of the particles.
Another note, the expressions for electrical and thermal conductivity are more similar than they look. The electrical conduction
equation can be written with a conductivity = 1/ instead of a resistivity . Similarly, the thermal conductivity kT can be replaced
with a thermal resistance, R = 1/ kT. This is the R value for insulation.