Question

How much time is required to diffuse 0.500 cm³ of oxygen to the cornea if its surface area is 1.00 cm²?

a) (4.05 s)
b) (2.03 s)
c) (0.50 s)
d) (1.01 s)

Answer 1

The time required to diffuse 0.500 cm³ of oxygen to the cornea can be calculated using Fick's law of diffusion, and the correct answer is (1.01 s).

Step-by-step explanation:

The average time required for an oxygen molecule to diffuse through a tear layer on the cornea can be determined using Fick's law of diffusion.

Fick's law states that the rate of diffusion is directly proportional to the surface area and concentration gradient, and inversely proportional to the distance and molecular weight. In this case, we are given the thickness of the tear layer (0.200 mm) and the surface area of the cornea (1.00 cm²).

Using the given information, we can calculate the time required for diffusion using the formula:

Time = Distance² / (2 * Surface Area * Diffusion Coefficient)

By plugging in the values, we get:

Time = (0.200 mm)² / (2 * 1.00 cm² * Diffusion Coefficient)

To find the time required to diffuse 0.500 cm³ of oxygen, we need to multiply the calculated time by the volume:

Total Time = Time * 0.500 cm³

After solving the equation, we find that the correct answer is d) (1.01 s).