College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering Department

CME320: Chemical Engineering Laboratory I
FALL 2017 - 2018

Experiment 6
Liquid Diffusion Coefficient

Name ID
Amal Radwan Jamal Eddin 1050893
Sara Alhallaq 1051713
Zaina AlDhaheri 1046702
Saniha Aysha Ajith 1051470

Group#1
Section: 51
Instructors: Eng. Elron Gomes
Experiment Date: Sunday, October 29, 2017
Submission Date: Sunday, November 5, 2017
Abstract
Diffusivity is considered an important property of fluids that describes the ability of particles of a
matter to transfer from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration area. Liquid diffusion
includes mass transfer of a solute through a liquid solvent. In this experiment, the diffusion
coefficient of sodium chloride solution in distilled water calculated through different methods. It
was calculated experimentally based on the conductivity values when sodium chloride solution
was diffused into distilled water. From the conductivity values of the solution that were measured
using a conductivity meter, it was found that as the time passes, the conductivity of the solution
increases. The conductivity value started with a value of 0 μS and ended with 0.398mS after 60
𝐶 −𝐶
minutes. The experimental diffusion coefficient was calculated by plotting ln ( 𝐶𝐴20−𝐶 𝐴10 ) against
𝐴2 𝐴10

time to find its slope and rearrange it to find out that the DAB value came up to be
2.6138 x 10−8 m2 /s. This value was compared with a theoretical diffusion coefficient found using
Gordon equation as well as the the theoretical value found from books and correlations. The
theoretical value was found to be 2.289 x 10-9 m2/s while the literature value was found to be
1.5800 × 10−9 m2/s at 20 ℃. The percentage difference between the theoretical and the
experimental value came up to be 167.79%. While, the percentage error between the experimental
value and the literature value was found to be 1554.30 %

1
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Theory ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Equipment Set-up............................................................................................................................ 7
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Safety Considerations ................................................................................................................. 9
Data Collected ................................................................................................................................. 9
Results ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Sample Calculations...................................................................................................................... 12
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 18
References ..................................................................................................................................... 19

2
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Labeled liquid diffusion experimental set-up. ............................................................... 8
Figure 2 - Natural Logarithm Vs. Time ........................................................................................ 12

List of Tables
Table 1: Experiment Specifications and conditions........................................................................ 9
Table 2: Data collected every ten seconds. ..................................................................................... 9
Table 3: Data collected ................................................................................................................. 10
Table 4: Calculations of concentration and natural logarithm ...................................................... 11

3
Introduction
The term "Diffusion" originates from the Latin word diffundere, which signifies "to spread out".
Generally, diffusion is described as the movement of fluid atoms, ions, or molecules from a region
of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Diffusion is considered as an
intermolecular phenomenon, in which mass transfer happens due to the kinetic properties that
particles of a matter have, chemical potential difference, relative activity of each molecule, as well
as the concentration gradient. The aforementioned factors will result in a random transfer of the
particles through a medium until an equilibrium state of a uniform concentration is reached. A
simple example that describes diffusion process is placing a sugar cube in a cup of water; by the
time the sugar will dissolve and evenly sweeten the water [1].

In chemical engineering industries, properties of the materials involved in physical and chemical
processes are significantly taken into consideration. A fluid property “diffusivity” is usually
identified when dealing with Fluid flow and mass transfer operations. This property is also known
as “Diffusion coefficient”, an important parameter indicative of the diffusion mobility.
Considering the type, liquid diffusion, diffusion coefficient DAB of the liquid is a constant property
that indicates the rate at which an ion or a molecule A is transferred to a component B. The
diffusivity of an ion through a solvent can be measured by allowing the ion to diffuse through
stagnant liquid in the restriction [2]. Liquid diffusion is mainly a function of three parameters
which are temperature, viscosity of the fluid and the size (mass) of the particles. An increase in
temperature, a decrease of a fluid viscosity, and a decrease in mass particles results in an increase
in the velocity of fluid particles which indicates higher diffusivity of a matter.

Liquid diffusion takes part in various chemical engineering fields. It is found in, petrochemical
and pharmaceutical industrial processes including extraction, rectification, adsorption, absorption
and filtration of gas and liquid processes. It takes place through membranes used in waste water
treatment facilities. Also, it can be found in continuous contact towers as well as in wetted and
packed columns. Fluidized beds are also one of the numerous chemical engineering equipment
where liquid diffusion takes place [3].

The aim of this experiment is to determine the diffusivity of 1 M sodium chloride solution in
distilled water by finding the experimental diffusion coefficient and compare it with both
theoretical diffusion coefficients that is calculated using Gordon equations and the standard
diffusion coefficient taken from books. Also, observing the effect of concentration of the diffusion
coefficient is an objective. The Armfield Diffusion of a Liquid apparatus is used to allow students
measure diffusion coefficient through a well-established technique.

4
Theory
As a salt is added and dissolved in a solution, ions rather than molecules diffuse. The rate transfer
or the flux of the diffusing components through a stagnant non-moving liquid, is represented by
Fick’s first law.
𝑑𝐶
𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐤’𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐰 ∶ 𝐽𝐴 = 𝐷𝐴𝐵 ( 𝑑𝐿𝐴) Equation.1
Where,
𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐽𝐴 : Rate transfer or total flux of A ( 𝑚2 ∗𝑠)
𝑚2
𝐷𝐴𝐵 : Diffusivity (diffusion coefficient) of NaCl in water ( )
𝑠

𝐶𝐴 : Concentration of NaCl in water (kmol/m³)

L: Effective distance of mass transfer through the constriction (m)

Diffusivity changes with the change of temperature, pressure, and composition of the system. The
accompanying equation can be acquired by consolidating Fick's First Law with a partial
differential condition that considers the spatial and time distinction of the concentration of
compound A:
2
𝐶 −𝐶 𝜋 𝐷𝐴𝐵 ∗𝑁𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 ∗𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 ∗𝑉𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
ln ( 𝐶𝐴20−𝐶 𝐴10) = 4 ∗ ∗ (𝑡 − 𝑡0 ) ∗ Vsoln Equation.2
𝐴2 𝐴10 𝐿

Where,
𝑁𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 : Number of capillary tubes in the restriction (121)
𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 : Diameter of a capillary tube (0.1cm)
t: time [s]
𝑡0 : arbitrary reference time [s]
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐶𝐴20 : concentration of A at time 𝑡0 in reservoir 2 ( 𝑚3 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐶𝐴2 : concentration of A at time t in reservoir 2 ( 𝑚3 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐶𝐴10 : is the concentration of A in reservoir 1 ( )
𝑚3

L: Effective distance of mass transfer through the constriction (0.45 cm)

Vsoln: volume of reservoir 2 (m3)

In order to substitute for Nacl concentration, the conductivity measurements will be converted into
concentration using:
k
𝐶𝐴= Cm Equation.3
where,

5
K: conductivity (S)
S
Cm: The proportionality constant to be found by calibration. For 1.0M NaCl at 25C, Cm is 0.112 mol

Gordon Equation

This equation is used to compute the theoretical diffusivity of NaCl at higher concentrations, by
cm2
solving for diffusivity (DAB) at infinite saturation in ( )
s
0 µ𝑤 𝑉 𝑚 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑙𝑛ɣ±
𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝐴𝐵 ∗µ ∗ ̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅ ∗ (1 + 𝑚 ∗ ( )) Equation.4
𝑚𝑖𝑥 𝑉𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑚
Where,
µ𝑤 : the viscosity of pure water (0.8937 𝑐𝑃)
µ𝑚𝑖𝑥 : the viscosity of the solution
𝑚3
𝑉𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 is the molar volume of pure water [𝑚𝑜𝑙]
𝑚 3
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑉𝑚, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟: Partial molar volume of water in the solution [𝑚𝑜𝑙]

m: Molality of NaCl in the solution [mol/kg]

ɣ ±: Activity coefficient of NaCl in the solution

The aforementioned parameters are given by the following equations:

1.967 2
µ𝑚𝑖𝑥 = µ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (1 − 0.6100 𝐶𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 0.1200 𝐶𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 0.5890 𝐶𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 [=] 𝑐𝑃 Equation.5

𝑑𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑉𝑚, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − 𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 Equation.6
𝑑𝑥

1.263 2
𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝑉𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∗ exp(0.290 𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 3.078 𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 − 3.319 𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 ) Equation.7

1.967 2
𝑚 = −0.5490 𝐶𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 1.01 𝐶𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 0.5600𝐶𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 Equation.8

log ɣ ± = 0.303 m0.408 + 0.120 𝑚 − 3.05𝐸 − 3 𝑚2 Equation.9

An equation known as “Nersk-Haskell equation” is used in order to find the diffusion coefficient
0
at an infinite saturation (𝐷𝐴𝐵 ).
1 1
𝑅𝑇 ( + )
0 𝑛+ 𝑛−
𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐤 − 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 1 1 Equation.10
𝐹2 ( + )
𝜆+ 𝜆−

Where,

6
 0 𝑐𝑚2
𝐷𝐴𝐵 : Diffusion coefficient at infinite saturation ( )
𝑠

T: Temperature (K)
𝐽
R: Universal gas constant (8.314 𝑚𝑜𝑙∗𝐾)

F: Faraday’s constant (96,500 C.g.eq)

𝐴∗𝑉∗𝑔−𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝜆 + 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜆 −: limiting ionic conductance ( )
𝑐𝑚5
𝐴∗𝑉∗𝑔−𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝜆 + 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜆−∶ 50.1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 76.3 respectively ( )
𝑐𝑚5

n+ and n-: Valences of cation and anion respectively

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒−𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑚𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

%Error = 𝑥100 Equation 11
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

Theoretical value−Experimental value

%Difference DAB = × 100 Equation.12
(Theoretical value+Exp value)/2

Equipment Set-up
The equipment used for the liquid diffusion experiment is the Armfield’s unique diffusion cell.
The equipment, as shown in Figure 1, is developed to easily determine the diffusion rates rather
than observing slow diffusion rates for a long period of time. The significant part of the equipment
are the dimensioned capillaries, which is where diffusion starts between the two liquids. These
capillaries are positioned between the two liquids of different concentrations. The more
concentrated solution is injected through the diffusion cell that is made up of glass and is filled
until it reaches the capillaries to form a small hump of droplets. The diffusion cell is also known
as reservoir 1 and it covers the acrylic vessel which is filled with the other less concentrated liquid.
The vessel is known as reservoir 2. Normally, the acrylic vessel contains much higher volume of
the liquid than the diffusion cell and is mainly distilled or deionized water.

The acrylic diffusion vessel is put on a magnetic stirrer which is battery-operated. On the side of
the vessel, there is an opening especially made for the probe that is related in measuring the
conductivity as it is connected with the conductivity meter. Moreover, the lid of the vessel is
specially designed for the diffusion cell to fit the vessel in the correct depth. A stirrer bead/bar is
placed inside the vessel where it allows the liquid inside the vessel to be well mixed according to
a set speed.

The diffusion cell is shaped as a hook, where the lower section is made of honeycomb dimensioned
capillaries. However, the top section of the cell is made open where liquid or salt solution is
injected with a syringe till it shows as droplets in the capillaries.

7
 The conductivity meter is also battery-operated and has a digital display that shows the
conductivity and the temperature. A stopwatch can be used while noting down the values displayed
on the meter or a computer software can record the readings, conductivity and temperature, against
time. The conductivity meter has a serial interface RS232, that is why the readings can be exported
to a computer using a simple software. The probe or the electrode uses carbon rods where the
sensors have a longer life than other glass electrodes in which it measures conductivity.

The magnetic stirrer has a speed control where the speed is manually adjusted. To turn off the
stirrer, the hand-operated control must be turned fully anticlockwise. To have perfect steady
mixing, the speed must be adjusted slowly while observing the stirrer bar and the liquid until it is
clear the liquid is being steadily mixed because of the swirl shown.

Diffusion cell Capillaries

Reservoir 1: Distilled water

Salt solution
Conductivity
Electrode/Probe

Conductivity meter
Stirring bar

Speed control
Magnetic stirrer

Figure 1 - Labeled liquid diffusion experimental set-up.

Procedure
1. Weigh 14.61 grams of NaCl on the mass balance.
2. Add the 14.61 grams NaCl to 250 mL of water and make sure to stir properly until all the
sample is dissolved.
3. Wash the equipment (vessel and cover) with distilled water.
4. Place the stirrer bar inside the vessel and the vessel on the magnetic stirrer.
5. Using a syringe, fill the diffusion cell with 8.75 mL of the prepared 1M of NaCl solution
(reservoir 1) until drops show as a hump on the surface of the capillaries.
6. Fill the vessel with 920 mL of distilled water (reservoir 2).
7. Switch on the conductivity meter and set to 𝜇s.

8
 8. Cover reservoir 2 with reservoir 1 carefully, making sure that the distilled water is about 5
mm above the capillaries.
9. Switch on the stirrer and set it to 3 rpm.
10. Start the timer.
11. Take readings of the conductivity every 10 seconds for 1 minute.
12. After 1 minute, take readings of the conductivity at 1-minute intervals for 20 minutes.
(Note: when the reading reaches to 200 𝜇S, adjust the unit on the conductivity meter to
mS).
13. Afterwards, take readings of the conductivity at 5-minute intervals for 40 minutes.
14. Turn off the stirrer and the conductivity meter.
15. Pour out reservoirs 1 and 2 and return all the apparatus used to their proper places.
Safety Considerations

Mechanical Hazards: The diffusion cell is made of glass and if the equipment was not handled
carefully, it could break.

Electrical Hazards: Since the equipment is dealing with liquid solutions being mixed with electrical
connections like the conductivity meter or the batteries, very high speed of mixing may lead to the
liquid being splashed out of the vessel and get in contact with these connections and damages can
happen.

Physical Hazards: High stirring speeds and not having the vessel covered properly may lead to
stirring bead/bar to fly out of the vessel onto one’s eyes.

Data Collected
Table 1: Experiment Specifications and conditions

Concentration of NaCl 1M
Volume of NaCl solution 8.75 ml
Volume of water 920 ml
Speed of stirring 3 rpm
Temperature 20 ᵒC
Table 2: Data collected every ten seconds.

Time (s) Conductivity (µs)

0 0.0
10 95.3
20 130.2
30 150.3
40 163.1
50 171.3
60 177.8
120 193.2

9
Table 3: Data collected

Time (mins) Conductivity (ms)

3 0.194
4 0.204
5 0.213
6 0.222
7 0.231
8 0.238
9 0.243
10 0.251
11 0.256
12 0.261
13 0.266
14 0.271
15 0.277
16 0.281
17 0.287
18 0.289
19 0.293
20 0.295
25 0.313
30 0.326
35 0.341
40 0.354
45 0.365
50 0.37
55 0.385
60 0.398

10
Results
Table 4: Calculations of concentration and natural logarithm

Time (s) Conductivity Concentration Concentration 𝑪 𝑪

Ln( 𝑪𝑨𝟐𝟎− 𝑨𝟏𝟎
)
−𝑪
(S) CA2 (mol/L) CA2 (mol/ m3) 𝑨𝟐 𝑨𝟏𝟎

0 0.0000000 0.0000000 0.0000000 0.0000000

10 0.0000953 0.0008510 0.8510000 0.00085100
20 0.0001302 0.0011630 1.1630000 0.00116300
30 0.0001503 0.0013420 1.3420000 0.00134300
40 0.0001631 0.0014560 1.4560000 0.00145700
50 0.0001713 0.0015290 1.5290000 0.00153100
60 0.0001778 0.0015880 1.5880000 0.00158900
120 0.0001932 0.0017250 1.7250000 0.00172600
180 0.000194 0.0017320 1.7320000 0.00173400
240 0.000204 0.0018210 1.8210000 0.00182300
300 0.000213 0.0019020 1.9020000 0.00190400
360 0.000222 0.0019820 1.9820000 0.00198400
420 0.000231 0.0020630 2.0630000 0.00206500
480 0.000238 0.0021250 2.1250000 0.00212700
540 0.000243 0.0021700 2.1700000 0.00217200
600 0.000251 0.0022410 2.2410000 0.00224400
660 0.000256 0.0022860 2.2860000 0.00228800
720 0.000261 0.0023300 2.3300000 0.00233300
780 0.000266 0.0023750 2.3750000 0.00237800
840 0.000271 0.0024200 2.4200000 0.00242300
900 0.000277 0.0024730 2.4730000 0.00247600
960 0.000281 0.0025090 2.5090000 0.00251200
1020 0.000287 0.0025630 2.5630000 0.00256600
1080 0.000289 0.0025800 2.5800000 0.00258400
1140 0.000293 0.0026160 2.6160000 0.00261900
1200 0.000295 0.0026340 2.6340000 0.00263700
1500 0.000313 0.0027950 2.7950000 0.00279900
1800 0.000326 0.0029110 2.9110000 0.00291500
2100 0.000341 0.0030450 3.0450000 0.00304900
2400 0.000354 0.0031610 3.1610000 0.00316600
2700 0.000365 0.0032590 3.2590000 0.00326400
3000 0.00037 0.0033040 3.3040000 0.00330900
3300 0.000385 0.0034380 3.4380000 0.00344300
3600 0.000398 0.0035540 3.5540000 0.00356000

11
 Time vs ln((CA2o - CA1o)/(CA2o - CA1o))
0.004500
y = 6E-07x + 0.0017
ln((CA2o - CA1o) / (CA2o - CA1o)

0.004000

0.003500

0.003000
ln((CA2o - CA1o) /
0.002500 (CA2o - CA1o) vs
time
0.002000
Linear (ln((CA2o -
0.001500 CA1o) / (CA2o -
CA1o) vs time)
0.001000

0.000500
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
Time (s)
Figure 2 - Natural Logarithm Vs. Time

Sample Calculations
Sample calculation to find concentration from conductivity:

 All the time readings taken must be converted into seconds and the conductivity readings
must be converted into Siemens. Keep this in a tabulated form.
 Convert the conductivity into concentration (CA ) using the following formula:

k
CA =
Cm
Where,
S
Cm = 0.112 mol for 1 M NaCl at T= 25°C = 298.15 K
L

0.000953
For example, CA = = 0.000851 𝑚𝑜𝑙⁄𝐿 at 10 seconds
0.112

C −C
Lastly, calculate ln( CA20−C A10)
A2 A10
Where,
CA20 = 0, CA10 = 1M and CA2 = CA :

12
 𝐶𝐴20 − 𝐶𝐴10 0−1
ln ( ) = ln ( ) = 0.0008514 𝑎𝑡 10 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
𝐶𝐴2 − 𝐶𝐴10 0.000851 − 1

1. Experimental Method

From Figure 2, the slope is α = 6.00 x 10-7 s-1

While from calculations:

𝐷𝐴𝐵 𝑥 𝑁 2
𝜋 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑥 𝑑𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦
Slope, α = 4 ( ) 𝑉𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝐿
Solving for DAB:
4 ∗ 𝛼 ∗ 𝐿∗ 𝑉𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑛 where L = length of capillary tubes = 0.0045 m
𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 2 N = number of capillary tubes = 121
𝜋 ∗ 𝑁𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 ∗ 𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦
d = diameter of capillary tubes = 0.001 m
4 𝑥 (6𝑥10−7 ) 𝑥 0 .0045 𝑥 0.00092 Vsoln = Volume of water used = 920 ml =
= 0.00092 m3
𝜋 𝑥 121 𝑥 0. 0012

𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 𝟐. 𝟔𝟏𝟑𝟖 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝒎𝟐 /𝒔

2. Theoretical Method

To calculate theoretical DAB, use Gordon Equation:

 Viscosity of water, µw = 0.8937 cP

 Viscosity of mix, µmix is found using the following equation:
µmix = µw (1- 0.6100 (CNaCl)1.967 + 0.1200 (CNaCl) + 0.5890 (CNaCl)2) [=] cP

where,
µmix is the viscosity of the solution

µmix = µw (1- 0.6100 (1)1.967 + 0.1200 (1) + 0.5890 (1)2) = 0.9822 cP

 Using Nersk – Haskell Equation

13
T = 20⁰C + 273 = 293 K
𝐽
R = 8.314 (𝑚𝑜𝑙∗𝐾)

n+ = n- = 1 (valences of cation and anion)

F = 96 500 C.g.eq (Faraday’s constant)

𝐴∗𝑉∗𝑔−𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡
λ+ = 50.1 𝑐𝑚5

𝐴∗𝑉∗𝑔−𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡
λ- = 76.3 𝑐𝑚5

1 1
8.314 𝑥 293 ( + )
𝐷𝑜𝐴𝐵 = 1
1 1
1 = 1.582x10-9 m2/s
965002 𝑥 ( + )
50.1 76.3

 Molar volume of pure water

ρwater = 1 g/cm3

MW = 18 g/mol

Vm water = 18/1 = 18 cm3/mol = 1.8 x 10-5 m3/mol

 Molality of NaCl solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = −0.5490 (1)1.967 + (1.01 × 1) + (0.5600 × 12 ) = 1.021 𝑘𝑔

 Mole fraction of 1 M NaCl

𝑛𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙
𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 =
𝑛𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 14.61
𝑛𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 = = = 0.25 𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 58.44

14
 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = .25 𝐿 𝑥 𝑥 = 13.89 𝑚𝑜𝑙
1000 𝐿 1.8 ∗ 10−5 𝑚3
0.25
𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 =
0.25 + 13.89
𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 = 0.0177

 Partial molar volume of water in solution

𝑑𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑉 𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − 𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙
𝑑𝑥
1.263 2
𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝑉𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∗ exp(0.29𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 3.078𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 − 3.319𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 )
Vm,mix= (1.8 ∗ 10−5 ) ∗ exp((0.29 ∗ 0.01771.263 ) + (3.078 ∗ 0.0177) −
(3.319 ∗ 0.01772 ))

−5
𝑚3
= 1.902 × 10
𝑚𝑜𝑙

 Derivative of Vm, mixture

𝑑𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑥 0.263 1.263
= 𝑉𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∗ (0.36627𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 3.078 − 6.638𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 ) ∗ exp(0.29𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙
𝑑𝑥
2
+ 3.078𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 − 3.319𝑥𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙
𝑑𝑉𝑚,𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
= ((0.36627 ∗ 0.01770.263 ) + 3.078 − (6.638 ∗ 0.0177)) ∗ (1.902 ∗ 10−5 )
𝑑𝑥
= 6.35 × 10−5

̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑉 −5 −5
𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = (1.905 ∗ 10 ) − (0.0177 ∗ (6.35 ∗ 10 ))

𝑚3
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑉 𝑚,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1.793 × 10
−5
𝑚𝑜𝑙
 To find log(𝛾 ±)

log(𝛾 ±) = 0.303𝑚0.408 + 0.12𝑚 − (3.05 ∗ 10−3 𝑚2 )

To convert log(𝛾 ±) to ln(𝛾 ±), multiply both the sides by ln (10)

ln(𝛾 ±) = ln(10) ∗ (0.303𝑚0.408 + 0.12𝑚 − (3.05 ∗ 10−3 𝑚2 ))

ln(𝛾 ±) = 0.6977𝑚0.408 + 0.2763𝑚 − (7.023 ∗ 10−3 𝑚2 )

15
dln(𝛾 ±)
= 0.2847𝑚 −.592 + 0.2763 − 0.014046 𝑚
𝑑𝑚

dln(𝛾 ±)
= (0. 2847 ∗ 1.021−.592 ) + 0.2763 − (0.014046 ∗ 1.021)
𝑑𝑚

dln(𝛾 ±)
= 0.572
𝑑𝑚

 To find theoretical DAB using all the values computed above:

0.8937 1.8 ∗ 10−5

𝐷𝐴𝐵 = (1.582 ∗ 10−9 ) ∗ ∗ ∗ (1 + 1.021 ∗ 0.572)
0.9822 1.793 × 10−5
𝒎𝟐
𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟖𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟗
𝒔

3. Diffusion coefficient from literature

Standard value of 𝐷AB from literature [4] at 25oC = 1.607 x 10-9 m2/s

Therefore at 20⁰ C though the following correlation (neglecting the change in water viscosity
with temperature) ,
𝑇 20+273
DAB at T2 =(𝑇2 ) 𝑥 𝐷𝐴𝐵 =(25+273) 𝑥 1.607 𝑥 10−9 = 1.5800 × 10−9 m2/s
1

To calculate the difference percentage of 𝐷AB:

Theoretical value of 𝐷AB =2.289 x 10-9 m2/s

Experimental value of 𝐷AB =2.6138 x 10-8 m2/s

Theoretical value−Experimental value

Difference percentage of DAB = × 100
(Theoretical value+Exp value)/2

2.289×10−9 −2.6138×10−8
Difference percentage of DAB = |(2.289 x 10−9+2.6138 x 10−8)/2 | × 100 = 167.79%

Literature value−Experimental value

Percentage error of DAB = × 100
Literature value

1.5800 × 10−9 − 2.6138 × 10−8

% error of DAB =| | × 100 = 𝟏𝟓𝟓𝟒. 𝟑𝟎 %
1.5800 × 10−9

16
Discussion
Liquid diffusion is an important phenomenon occurring around us; therefore, it is essential to
highlight it and understand it through studies and experiments. The purpose of this experiment is
to calculate the diffusion coefficient of sodium chloride (NaCl) in water. The experiment was
based on 1 Molar NaCl solution filled in a tube immersed in 0.920*(L) of distilled or de-ionized
water. In addition, using Armfield apparatus mentioned above, the conductivity of the solution is
measured and recorded with time. Measuring the conductivity helps identifying the presence of
ions, Na+ and Cl-, in the solution in addition to calculating the concentration. Since Na+ have a
higher diffusivity than that of Cl-, the experiment mainly depends on sodium ions. Table 2 shows
the conductivity change for the first seven readings with time in seconds in order to see the rapid
change which first occurs at the beginning of the experiment. The fast change in the conductivity
is explained by the quick diffusion occurring due to the large concentration gradient present at the
beginning. As the experiment starts, the concentration gradient starts to decrease as more of the
ions enter the reservoir, which allows taking increasing intervals of time as shown in Table 3. It
can be noticed that the first reading of the conductivity is zero as the reservoir contains only water
at that moment, which is not conductive due to the lack of ions.
Table 4 presents the calculated concentration for each measurement in addition to the natural
logarithm of the initial concentration difference over the difference at a specific time. From the
table, the concentration increases with time as expected; in addition, the increase is less with time.
As mentioned before, the concentration difference acts as the driving force of the diffusion, and as
the stirrer keeps the solution uniform, the concentration difference remains present although it
decreases with time. Figure 2 clarify the concept more as it represents the relationship between the
logarithm of the concentration difference and the time. The linearity of the graph is clear as the
increase in time increase the logarithm value. This is expected since as the concentration of NaCl
increases with time, the concentration difference at specific time t will be less than before which
gives a higher value to the logarithm. The aim of graphing the relationship is to calculate the
diffusion coefficient from the slope found depending on the relationship is presented in
Equation*2. From the experimental method, DAB is found as 2.6138 𝑥10−8 (𝑚2 /𝑠). Furthermore,
the diffusion coefficient was also found from a theoretical method using Gordon equation,
Equation 4, as 2.289 𝑥10−9 (𝑚2 /𝑠). Comparing the found diffusion coefficients with once
another the percentage difference was found as 167.79%. While, comparing experimental value
with the one from literature [4], which is 1.5800 × 10−9 (𝑚2 /𝑠), a percentage error of 1554.30 %
is present.
The high percentages might be due to several errors present in the experiment. First, the capillary
tube included a percentage error due to holding it directly with bare hands. Dirt or hand oils might
have contributed to the results. Second, the placement of the top section of the equipment was
done manually, which might have resulted in shaking at the beginning. Third, the presence of a
vortex on the surface could have participated in the error. Fourth, starting the stop watch at exactly
the placement time of the top added an error. Fifth, the equipment error of the conductivity meter.

17
Sixth, recording the values manually might have caused a typing error. The present of errors can
be reduced by decreasing the speed of the stirrer, to avoid a vortex.

Conclusion
Concluding, the diffusion coefficient of 1 molar NaCl solution in water was found from
experimental and theoretical methods. Armfield apparatus was used to conduct the experiment and
measure the conductivity of the solution. The results included understanding the relationship
between the diffusion and time. As the time increases the diffusion decreases due to concentration
difference decreasing. In addition, the diffusion coefficient was found experimentally as
2.6138 𝑥10−8 (𝑚2 /𝑠), and theoretically as 2.289 𝑥10−9 (𝑚2 /𝑠). The percentage difference
between the found values reached 167.79.%. In addition, the percentage error between the
𝑚2
experimental value and the value found from literature [4], 1.5800 × 10−9 ( ), 1554.30 %. It
𝑠
is recommended to improve this experiment by repeating it more than once and being provided
with detailed instructions for proper preparation of 1M Nacl. A better conductivity meter should
be used to avoid the fluctuations that occurred while using this experiment meter. Moreover, using
a software to measure the conductivity and record it at the specified intervals would give better
results. Manipulating the temperature factor can also improve the results as the heating enhances
the diffusion. The diffusion can be stalled by lowering the temperature in order to get accurate
results

18
References
[1] "Understand What Diffusion Is (and Isn't) in Chemistry", ThoughtCo, 2017. [Online].
Available: https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-diffusion-604430. [Accessed: 03-
Nov- 2017].

[2] E. Gomes and I. Zuburtikudis, Liquid Diffusion Experiment. Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi
University, 2017.

[3] burghardt, A. Chemical Engineering and Chemical Process Tecgnology. MassTransfer

by Diffusion. Available:http://www.eolss.net/sample-chapters/c06/e6-34-01-07.pdf
[Accessed:03-Nov- 2017]

[4] "Diffusion Coefficient of 2m NACL in Water", UKEssays, 2017. [Online]. Available:

https://www.ukessays.com/essays/biology/measurement-of-liquid-diffusion-coefficient-
biology-essay.php. [Accessed: 04- Nov- 2017].

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