THERMODIFFUSION Meaning and
Definition
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Thermodiffusion refers to the phenomenon of mass flow that occurs in a binary mixture of gases or liquids when subject to a temperature gradient. It is also known as the Soret effect, named after the Russian-Swiss scientist Carl Soret who studied this effect in the 19th century. Thermodiffusion is a result of the differential diffusion velocities of the components within the mixture due to the temperature gradient.
When a temperature gradient is applied to a binary mixture, the molecules or particles of the different components will diffuse at different rates. This leads to a separation of the components, with one component tending to concentrate towards the colder regions and the other towards the warmer regions. The direction of mass flow due to thermodiffusion depends on various factors, including the nature and properties of the mixture and the temperature gradient.
Thermodiffusion has important applications in various fields, such as in separation processes, scientific research, and engineering. For example, it can be utilized in the extraction of isotopes in the nuclear industry, in the purification of gases, and in the design and optimization of heat exchangers. Understanding and controlling thermodiffusion are crucial in many industries and scientific disciplines, as it can affect the efficiency, productivity, and quality of processes and materials.
Overall, thermodiffusion describes the phenomenon of component separation within a binary mixture in response to a temperature gradient, with the molecules or particles diffusing at different rates.
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The diffusion of fluids, either gaseous or liquid, in consequence of difference of temperature.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THERMODIFFUSION
- thermodiffusinn
- thermodiffusiof
- thermodiffusiol
- thermodiffusioo
- t hermodiffusion
- th ermodiffusion
- the rmodiffusion
- ther modiffusion
- therm odiffusion
- thermo diffusion
- thermod iffusion
- thermodi ffusion
- thermodif fusion
- thermodiff usion
- thermodiffu sion
- thermodiffus ion
- thermodiffusi on
- thermodiffusio n
Etymology of THERMODIFFUSION
The word "thermodiffusion" is derived from two combining forms: "thermo-" and "diffusion".
1. "Thermo-" is derived from the Greek word "thermos", meaning heat or hot. It is commonly used as a combining form in scientific and technical terms related to temperature, thermal energy, or heat.
2. "Diffusion" comes from the Latin word "diffusio", which means pouring out or spreading. In scientific terms, it refers to the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Therefore, "thermodiffusion" combines "thermo-" with "diffusion" to describe the phenomenon or process of heat-induced molecular diffusion, where particles migrate in response to temperature gradients.
