Oxygen reaches the veinless cornea of the eye by diffusing through its tear layer, which is 0.60-mm thick. How long does it take the average oxygen molecule to do this? The diffusion constant of oxygen through water is 1.0 x 10⁹ m²/s. Hint 1. Treat this as a one-dimensional problem. 2. Convert to minutes. 3. Think about the length of the time interval you have calculated. Enter to 2 significant figures Average time taken by O₂ molecule through the tear layer = 30 minutes As a comparison, calculate the time it takes for oxygen to diffuse through a cell membrane about 10 nm thick. Note: Enter time in seconds instead of minutes. Enter to 2 significant figures Average time taken by O₂ molecule through the cell membrane = 0.5 S

Elements Of Electromagnetics
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**Diffusion of Oxygen through the Cornea and Cell Membrane**

Oxygen reaches the veinless cornea of the eye by diffusing through its tear layer, which is 0.60 mm thick. The task is to calculate how long it takes for the average oxygen molecule to diffuse through this layer. The diffusion constant of oxygen through water is given as \(1.0 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{m}^2/\text{s}\).

**Hint for Calculation:**

1. Treat this scenario as a one-dimensional problem.
2. Convert the time calculated into minutes.
3. Consider the length of the time interval determined.

**Enter the value to 2 significant figures:**

- **Average time taken by \( \text{O}_2 \) molecule through the tear layer**: The estimated time is **30 minutes**. However, this will require adjustment based on the calculation.

**Comparison with Diffusion through a Cell Membrane:**

As a comparison, calculate the time required for oxygen to diffuse through a cell membrane approximately 10 nm thick.

- Note: Enter the time in seconds instead of minutes.
- **Average time taken by \( \text{O}_2 \) molecule through the cell membrane**: The estimated time is **0.5 seconds**. This calculation assumes different diffusion properties and thickness. 

Please perform the calculations using the appropriate formula for time based on the diffusion constant and distance.
Transcribed Image Text:**Diffusion of Oxygen through the Cornea and Cell Membrane** Oxygen reaches the veinless cornea of the eye by diffusing through its tear layer, which is 0.60 mm thick. The task is to calculate how long it takes for the average oxygen molecule to diffuse through this layer. The diffusion constant of oxygen through water is given as \(1.0 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{m}^2/\text{s}\). **Hint for Calculation:** 1. Treat this scenario as a one-dimensional problem. 2. Convert the time calculated into minutes. 3. Consider the length of the time interval determined. **Enter the value to 2 significant figures:** - **Average time taken by \( \text{O}_2 \) molecule through the tear layer**: The estimated time is **30 minutes**. However, this will require adjustment based on the calculation. **Comparison with Diffusion through a Cell Membrane:** As a comparison, calculate the time required for oxygen to diffuse through a cell membrane approximately 10 nm thick. - Note: Enter the time in seconds instead of minutes. - **Average time taken by \( \text{O}_2 \) molecule through the cell membrane**: The estimated time is **0.5 seconds**. This calculation assumes different diffusion properties and thickness. Please perform the calculations using the appropriate formula for time based on the diffusion constant and distance.
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