Final answer:
Brownian motion is a random, chaotic motion of particles suspended in a fluid, caused by the random thermal motions of fluid molecules colliding with the particles. It was first observed by Robert Brown in 1827. By examining Brownian motion, the size of molecules can be calculated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brownian motion is a random, chaotic motion of particles suspended in a fluid, caused by the random thermal motions of fluid molecules colliding with the particles. This motion was first observed by Robert Brown, a Scottish botanist, in 1827. He noticed that tiny pollen grains suspended in water moved about in complex paths. By examining Brownian motion, the size of molecules can be calculated, allowing for the determination of atom and molecule sizes.