Diffusive Scaling - How does it work

In summary, diffusive scaling in one dimension refers to the increase in average diffusion time when the size of a cell is increased by a factor of 20. This is due to the relationship between time and distance in the mathematical theory of diffusion, where time is proportional to the square of the distance spread. Searching for "Brownian motion" or "diffusion" can provide more information on this topic.
  • #1
jbunten
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I am reading that diffusive scaling in one dimension means that "increasing the size of a cell by a factor of 20 increases average diffusion time by a factor of 400". I can't find anything on diffusive scaling. Can anyone give me an explanation of this?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
jbunten said:
I am reading that diffusive scaling in one dimension means that "increasing the size of a cell by a factor of 20 increases average diffusion time by a factor of 400". I can't find anything on diffusive scaling. Can anyone give me an explanation of this?

Thanks
The mathematical theory of diffusion (Brownian motion) has particles spreading out randomly with a normal distribution, where the variance is proportional to time. This means the distance spreading (square root of variance) is proportional to the square root of time, or time is proportional to the square of the distance spread. In your example 400 (time) is proportional to to the square of distance (20).

You can google "Brownian motion" or "diffusion" to get more details.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your excellent reply mathman.
 

FAQ: Diffusive Scaling - How does it work

What is diffusive scaling?

Diffusive scaling is a mathematical concept used in the study of diffusion processes, which are the random movements of particles or molecules from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. It involves scaling the variables in a diffusion equation to simplify and analyze the behavior of the system.

How does diffusive scaling work?

Diffusive scaling works by changing the variables in a diffusion equation to non-dimensional parameters, such as time, length, and concentration, which are then used to analyze the behavior of the system. This allows for easier comparison between different systems and simplifies the mathematical calculations.

What are the benefits of using diffusive scaling?

Using diffusive scaling can help to simplify the analysis of diffusion processes, making it easier to understand and predict the behavior of the system. It also allows for easier comparison between different systems, making it a useful tool in scientific research and problem-solving.

What are the limitations of diffusive scaling?

Diffusive scaling is based on certain assumptions and simplifications, which may not accurately reflect the real-world behavior of a diffusion process. Additionally, it may not be applicable to all types of diffusion processes, such as non-linear or non-homogeneous systems.

Can diffusive scaling be applied to real-world problems?

Yes, diffusive scaling can be applied to real-world problems in various fields, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. It has been used to study diffusion in various systems, including biological cells, fluids, and gases, and has proven to be a useful tool in understanding and predicting diffusion behavior.

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