Molecular model

Brownian motion

 The Brownian motion experiment uses a microscope to view very small smoke
particles in a transparent air cell. It shows the smoke particles moving randomly.
This is evidence of free moving air molecules.

 According to the kinetic theory, a gas such as air is made up of an extremely

large number of tiny, invisible molecules that have relatively large spaces
between them and are constantly moving randomly.

 These molecules have no effect on each other except when they collide.
All collisions are elastic; this means the molecules bounce off each other
without losing kinetic energy.

 The smoke particles in the air cell are constantly bombarded from all sides by the
air molecules. The larger smoke particles can be seen to move in random
straight lines in a zig-zag pattern (see diagram above).

 This random movement is due to collisions between the very light but fast-
moving air molecules (which are too small to be seen) and the smoke
particles (which are larger and can be seen).
 What is Brownian Motion?
All matter is made of tiny particles.
The particles are atoms, ions or molecules.
In a liquid or gas, the particles move at random.
The random motion of particles is called Brownian
Motion.
It can be seen by looking at
smoke particles in air through a microscope.

The smoke particle (shown as a blue ball) has a jerky

motion.
As (invisible) air molecules collide with the smoke
particle,
they push it about in different directions at random.