Brownian Motion (AQA A Level Physics) : Revision Note

Katie M

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Katie M

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Brownian Motion

  • Brownian motion of particles is the phenomenon when:

    Small particles (such as pollen or smoke particles) suspended in a liquid or gas are observed to move around in a random, erratic fashion

Brownian motion, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Brownian motion is the erratic motion of small particles when observed through a microscope

  • Brownian motion:

    • Can be observed under a microscope

    • Provides evidence for the existence of atoms in a gas or liquids

  • The particles are said to be in random motion, this means that they have:

    • A range of speeds

    • No preferred direction of movement

  • The observable particles in Brownian motion are significantly bigger than the molecules that cause the motion

    • In most cases, these were observed as smoke particles in air

    • The air particles cause the observable motion of the smoke particles that we see

    • This means that the air particles were small and light and the smoke particles were large and heavy

  • The collisions cause larger particles to change their speed and directions randomly

    • This effect provides important evidence concerning the behaviour of molecules and atoms in a gas, especially the concept of pressure

  • The atoms are able to affect the larger particles in this way because:

    • They are travelling at a speed much higher than the larger particles

    • They have a lot of momentum, which they transfer to the larger particles when they collide

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.

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