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Brownian Motion

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Brownian Motion is the seemingly random movement of very small, visible, particles when viewed under a microscope.

About Brownian Motion

Brownian Motion is evidence of the particle model of matter.
When viewed under a microscope small objects like a pollen grain or tea leaf seem to change direction randomly.
Brownian Motion can be explained if the small objects are being hit by other, even smaller objects that cannot be seen. This is evidence that matter is made of particles.
Brownianmotion.gif

In this animation the grey particles represent particles too small to see. The yellow particles represent particles that are big enough to see and the blue lines show the random path of the yellow particles.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Brownian Motion is the seemingly random movement of very small, visible, particles when viewed under a microscope.

About Brownian Motion

Brownian Motion is evidence of the particle model of matter.
When viewed under a microscope small objects like a pollen grain or tea leaf seem to change direction randomly.
Brownian Motion can be explained if the small objects are being hit by other, even smaller objects that cannot be seen. This is evidence that matter is made of particles.
Brownianmotion.gif

In this animation the grey particles represent particles too small to see. The yellow particles represent particles that are big enough to see and the blue lines show the random path of the yellow particles.

References

AQA

Brownian motion, page 87, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA