Visualizing Bulk Flow in Mass Transfer with Dissolving Candy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-137329

Abstract

This teaching tip describes an in-class activity that visualizes the difference between Fickian diffusion and bulk flow using SkittlesTM candy. Students are introduced to the concepts of concentration gradients, flux, and coordinate systems and encouraged to train their intuition by comparing expectations with observations.

Accessibility Summary:

In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.

Author Biographies

Maureen Tang, Drexel University, United States

Maureen Tang, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at  Drexel University. Her primary research is in electrochemistry and catalysis while her pet passion projects include invasive insects and student mental health. Maureen holds public office as a Montgomery County Judge of Elections along with a PhD from UC Berkeley.  

Corresponding author: mhtang@drexel.edu

Nicolas Alvarez, Drexel University, United States

Nicolas J. Alvarez, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Drexel University.  He earned his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University.  His research is in the areas of transport and interfacial phenomena, polymer rheology, and additive manufacturing. 

Cover for the Spring 2025 issue

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Published

2024-12-17

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 2 (2025): Spring 2025

Section

Teaching Tips