Brownian Motion: A Primer
What is Brownian Motion?
Brownian motion is the random movement of particles suspended in a fluid (liquid or gas). The particles are typically much larger than the atoms or molecules of the fluid, and their motion is caused by their collision with the fluid molecules.
History of Brownian Motion
The phenomenon was first described by the Scottish botanist Robert Brown in 1827. Brown was observing the movement of pollen grains in water under a microscope when he noticed that the grains were moving in a seemingly random fashion. He later determined that the movement was caused by the collision of the pollen grains with water molecules.
Applications of Brownian Motion
Brownian motion has a wide variety of applications in science and engineering. For example, it is used to model the diffusion of particles in a fluid, the movement of bacteria, and the fluctuations in stock prices. It is also used in the design of nanomaterials and drug delivery systems.
Conclusion
Brownian motion is a fundamental physical process that has a wide range of applications in science and engineering. The study of Brownian motion has led to a deeper understanding of the nature of matter and has helped to advance our understanding of the world around us.
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