Brownian Motion Model
Purpose
Models Brownian motion using a mechanically agitated platform: small spheres (gas molecules) randomly collide with a larger disk (dust particle), producing visible jittering motion. Demonstrates that random molecular collisions produce macroscopic effects and connects to kinetic theory and diffusion.
Figure 1:
The molecular motion demonstrator in action on an overhead projector. The large red disk (dust particle) is surrounded by smaller spheres (gas molecules) whose motion blur shows the vibrating platform is running.