Final answer:
Using the equation S = (4Dt)^1/2, the average distance olive oil can move in a membrane in 15 seconds is calculated to be 7.75 micrometers.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the distance that olive oil, a lipid, could move in a membrane in 15 seconds with a diffusion coefficient of 1 μm2/s, we use the equation S = (4Dt)1/2. Plugging in the values, we get S = (4 × 1 μm2/s × 15 s)1/2. We perform the calculation as follows:
- Calculate the product of 4, the diffusion coefficient (D), and time (t): 4 × 1 μm2/s × 15 s = 60 μm2
- Take the square root of 60 μm2 to find the distance: √60 μm2 = 7.75 μm
The average distance that olive oil can move in the membrane in 15 seconds is 7.75 micrometers.