Exp 7. Liquid Diffusion Coefficient
Exp 7. Liquid Diffusion Coefficient
Exp 7. Liquid Diffusion Coefficient
Objective
To determine the Diffusion Coefficient as the concentrations of NaCl solution.
Method
As diffusion of the solute occurs, the concentration within the larger volume increases and is
monitored with a conductivity meter.
The mixture is continuously agitated with a magnetic stirrer to ensure uniform concentration within the
bulk liquid.
Whilst the apparatus maybe used with any required aqueous system, for introductory studies, 1.0M or
0.1M solutions of Sodium Chloride are recommended, for which conductivity data is provided.
1. Make up a 1M solution of NaCl by dissolving 58.44 gm of the salt into 1.0 litres of water. (also,
0.1M and,0.5M; total 3 solutions)
2. Fill the acrylic vessel with 1 litre of distilled or deionised water using the measuring jug supplied.
3. Locate the lid (with the glass diffusion cell fitted) on top of the vessel but locate it eccentrically so
that it does not locate in the recess and the lid is 5 mm above its normal operating position.
4. Steady the lid on top of the vessel and check that the top of the honeycomb of capillaries is flush
with the surface of the water. If necessary adjust the height of the glass diffusion cell by unscrewing
the gland nut that secures it.
5. Place the stirrer bar into the bottom of the acrylic vessel and locate the vessel on top of the battery
operated stirrer.
6. Connect the conductivity electrode to the socket at the top of the conductivity meter.
7. Set the range switch to 199.9 μS on the conductivity meter and switch the meter on by pressing
the POWER button.
8. Fill the glass diffusion cell with 1M NaCl using the syringe supplied. Ensure that the glass hook
and plastic honeycomb are filled with the solution with no air bubbles trapped.
9. This can be achieved by immersing the hook into the solution while forcing liquid through the
capillaries using the syringe filled with the same solution
10. Wipe off any excess solution from the outside of the cell and the tops of the capillaries using filter
paper or similar absorbent material but take care not to suck the salt solution through the capillaries. It
is important to adjust the level inside the cell so that the free surface is adjacent to the collar on the
vertical limb of the cell i.e. 5 mm above the tops of the capillaries.