Donnan equilibrium is a term used in electrochemistry to describe the distribution of charged particles between two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane. Its spelling, using IPA phonetic transcription, is /ˈdɒnən ɪˈkwɪlɪbriəm/. The first syllable is pronounced as "don" with a short "o" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound, like "uh". The stress is on the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with the long "e" sound, like "ee-uhm". A correct spelling and pronunciation of this word is important in scientific research and communication.
Donnan equilibrium refers to the electrochemical equilibrium that occurs in a semipermeable membrane separating two different electrolyte solutions. It occurs when the anions and cations in the solutions are unequally distributed due to the presence of charged solutes and a semipermeable membrane.
In this equilibrium, the charged solute particles cannot freely diffuse across the membrane, producing a difference in electric potential. This results in an electrical charge buildup on either side of the membrane, commonly referred to as the Donnan potential. The Donnan potential arises due to the selective permeability of the membrane, allowing only certain ions to pass through while restricting others.
The Donnan equilibrium is governed by the principles of osmosis and electrostatic attraction. The concentration of ions on one side of the membrane influences the distribution of ions on the other side. This balance occurs when the osmotic pressure on both sides is equal.
The Donnan equilibrium finds widespread applications in various fields, including biomedical sciences, electrochemistry, and cell biology. It is particularly relevant in the study of ion transport across cellular membranes, such as in nerve cells, which rely on the diffusion of ions to maintain their electrical potential.
Overall, the Donnan equilibrium is a phenomenon representing the unequal distribution of ions across a semipermeable membrane, resulting in an electrical charge buildup and the establishment of a Donnan potential.
The term "Donnan equilibrium" is named after Frederick George Donnan, an Irish chemist and physicist, who proposed the concept in the early 20th century. Donnan studied the behavior of ions across semi-permeable membranes and their influence on the distribution of electrolytes in a solution. The equilibrium refers to the balance of ion concentrations on either side of the membrane in the presence of charged macromolecules. Donnan's work laid the foundation for understanding the phenomenon, and his name has been associated with this specific type of ionic concentration equilibrium.