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  2. Diffusion Model through Conservation of Momentum and Energy  (V5: This is the latest version.)
Diffusion Model through Conservation of Momentum and Energy
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Highlights: A sequence of activities to build a simulation of diffusion from principles of elastic collisions.
Abstract: This is a sequence of activities that build up a simulation of diffusion in VPython from basic principles of elastic collisions - ideas of conservation of momentum and energy. The sequence begins with students modeling two particles colliding, moves to confining many particles in a box, and ends with an activity designed to simulate proteins diffusing in water.

Learning goals include representing conservation of momentum between 2 colliding particles, parsing long Python code into chunks that identify elements to be changed, and modifying Python code to incorporate conservation of momentum and kinetic energy in elastic collisions.
Resource Types: In-class activity, Lab, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
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TOPICS

Physics Topics: 

Classical Mechanics > Linear Momentum > Collisions in One Dimension, Collisions in Two Dimensions, Conservation of Linear Momentum

Classical Mechanics > Work and Energy > Conservation of Energy

Thermo & Stat Mech > Kinetic and Diffusive Processes > Brownian Motion, Diffusion

Life Sciences Topics: 

Molecular and Cellular Biology > Cellular Dynamics, Cellular Interactions

Chemistry Topics: 

Macromolecules > Proteins

Spontaneity > Entropy

Math Topics: 
Probability; Statistics

FILES Download37

Diffusion Model through Conservation of Momentum and Energy

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

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SUBMISSION DETAILS

Copyright:   2021 Abhilash Nair, Vashti Sawtelle, Lisa Lapidus

License:   CC: BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license

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