Probability of Brownian particle absorption

In summary, the problem at hand involves a brownian particle in 3D space and an absorbing sphere with radius a. The initial distance between the particle and sphere is l at t=0. The probability density for the particle is described by the equation ∂_t n = DΔn and the solution for the probability density in spherical coordinates is given by ∂_t n = D(1/r^2)∂_r (r^2∂_r n). The initial condition is defined as n(r,0) = δ(r-r_0)/(4πr_0^2) with r_0 = a+l. The boundary conditions and method for calculating the probability of absorption remain unclear.
  • #1
alex_rodin
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Homework Statement



There is a brownian particle in 3D space and absorbing sphere with radius a. At moment t = 0 the particle was situated at distance l from the sphere. Caluclate the probability of absorbing the particle by the sphere.

Homework Equations



n is probability densithy for the particle,
$$\partial _t n = D \Delta n$$

The Attempt at a Solution


The equation for probability density for the particle in spherical coordinates is
$$\partial _t n = D \frac 1 {r^2} \partial _r \left(r^2 \partial _r n\right)$$
with initial conditions
$$n(r,0) = \frac {\delta \left(r - r_0\right)} {4 \pi r_0^2}, \ r_0 = a + l$$

But what is the right boundary conditions for the equation?

Also, what is the right way to calculate the probability of absorbtion?
 
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  • #2
Can you obtain a generic solution of the PDE using e.g. separation of variables?
 

Related to Probability of Brownian particle absorption

1. What is the probability of absorption for a Brownian particle?

The probability of absorption for a Brownian particle depends on several factors, including the size and composition of the particle, the properties of the surrounding medium, and the duration of the experiment. In general, the smaller the particle and the longer the experiment, the higher the probability of absorption.

2. How does the temperature affect the probability of absorption for a Brownian particle?

The temperature of the surrounding medium has a significant impact on the probability of absorption for a Brownian particle. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the particles in the medium also increases, making it more likely for the Brownian particle to collide with and be absorbed by other particles.

3. Can the probability of absorption for a Brownian particle be predicted accurately?

The probability of absorption for a Brownian particle is a stochastic process, meaning it is inherently unpredictable. However, scientists can use mathematical models and simulations to estimate the probability based on known factors such as particle size, medium properties, and experimental conditions.

4. How does the concentration of the Brownian particle affect its absorption probability?

The concentration of the Brownian particle in the surrounding medium can affect its absorption probability. In a dilute solution, the probability of absorption is relatively low since there are fewer particles to collide with. However, as the concentration increases, the probability of absorption also increases due to the higher number of collisions between particles.

5. Is the probability of absorption the same for all Brownian particles?

No, the probability of absorption can vary for different types of Brownian particles depending on their size, composition, and other factors. For example, smaller particles have a higher probability of absorption due to their increased surface area and higher likelihood of collision with other particles.

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