C9 1.

2 The particle model

Demonstrating Brownian motion

Description of activity
Demonstrate Brownian motion. If you have access to a smoke cell and projector,
show students the random motion of the small smoke particles as they collide with
the invisible air particles. Or, if you have access to a projectable microscope, show
the random motion of tiny, micrometre-diameter polystyrene spheres suspended in a
liquid. If neither of these is available, show students a video of Brownian motion
(suggestions are provided below). Students should then order the statements on the
Activity sheet to explain how ideas for Brownian motion developed over time.

Learning objectives Working scientifically skills

 Explain how Brownian motion and
dissolving are evidence for the particle
model
 Explain how a scientific theory changed
over time
 Understand that scientific methods and
theories develop as earlier explanations are
modified to take account of new evidence
and ideas, together with the importance of
publishing results and peer review
 Make and record observations and
measurements using a range of methods
for different investigations; and evaluate
the reliability of methods and suggest
possible improvements
 Present reasoned explanations, including
explaining data in relation to predictions
and hypotheses

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Teacher notes
Demonstration of Brownian motion
using a smoke cell
 Burn the top end of a straw while placing the
bottom end of the straw in the smoke cell.
Remove the straw and place a glass cover-
slip across the cell opening to reduce the rate
of loss of smoke from the smoke cell.
 Position the smoke cell below a microscope
connected to a camera/visualizer, and
connect the microscope to power. By
adjusting the objective lens of the microscope
(from close to further away), bring the smoke
particles into focus – you will see them as
tiny jiggling dots of light.
(A video of this demo and results can be
found here: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ygiCHALySmM)
Alternative demonstration of Brownian
motion using micrometre-diameter
polystyrene spheres
 Suspend tiny, micrometre-diameter
polystyrene spheres in water.
 Using a pipette, drop some of the suspension
into the well of a cavity microscope slide and
place a glass cover-slip over the top. Position
the slide below a microscope connected to a
camera/visualizer, and connect the microscope
to power. By adjusting the objective lens of the
microscope (from close to further away), bring
the polystyrene particles into focus – you will
see them as small jiggling ‘suspended’ dark
dots. (A video of the polystyrene dots
exhibiting Brownian motion can be found
here:
https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/elibrary/
resource/28836/brownian-motion)
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Alternative demonstration of Brownian
motion using videos
 If neither demonstration is available, use
the below links to show students
Brownian motion of different particles.
The videos are not of the best quality, but
Brownian motion is still visible.
 Search for IOP Brownian motion on
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
PzssJDZn9xI). Explain to students that
they are looking at small polystyrene
spheres colliding with invisible water
molecules. Ask if they can see them
jiggling (moving).
 A video of Brownian motion using fat
molecules suspended in water can be
found here: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=NSe3TFLYcO8. A video of
Brownian motion using micro beads can
be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=UUSL0NqcY6k.
Modelling Brownian motion
 Create a model using a speaker and table
tennis balls. Place a plastic case around
the edge of the speaker. Then place 10
table tennis balls onto the speaker, as
well as one larger plastic ball – a partially
inflated balloon containing a small
amount of water could be used if needed.
Play a very low-frequency (e.g. 50 Hz)
sound to allow the balls to bounce
around. Observe the movement of the
larger ball/balloon. An example of this
can be seen in the video found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=4GkuYWdH8r4.
 A Support sheet provides additional
scaffolding to help with Tasks 2 and 4.
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 C9 1.2 The particle model

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Answers – Tasks
1. Students’ observations should match the demonstration shown and describe the
continuous random motion of the small, visible particles.
2. Brownian motion is the random movement of pieces of solid suspended (held) in a
liquid or gas. It occurs because the invisible particles of the liquid or gas collide with /
bump into / hit the visible particles of the solid. This makes the suspended pieces of
solid move randomly.
3. From top to bottom: 2, 4, 3, 1, 5
4. Brownian motion provides evidence that liquids and gases are made up of small,
invisible particles that are in constant motion.

Support sheet answers

 Task 2: Brownian motion is the random movement of pieces of solid suspended in a
liquid or gas. It occurs because the invisible particles of the liquid or gas bump into
the visible particles of the solid. This makes the suspended pieces of solid move
randomly.
 Task 4: Brownian motion provides evidence that … liquids and gases are made up of
small, invisible particles that are in constant motion.

Technician notes
Safety
 Schools should always perform their own risk assessment as local health and
safety requirements may vary.
 Ensure that light from the Sun is not reflected up through the microscope.
Equipment and materials
Demonstration of Brownian motion using a smoke cell
• microscope connected to a camera/visualizer
• glass cover-slip
• paper straw
Alternative demonstration of Brownian motion using micrometre-diameter
polystyrene spheres
 microscope connected to a camera/visualizer
 glass cover-slip
 cavity microscope slide
 suspension of micrometre-diameter polystyrene spheres in water

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 C9 1.2 The particle model

Brownian motion model

 large speaker connected to a power supply/amp to change the frequency of the
sound produced
 plastic cylinder case to place on the speaker
 10 table tennis balls
 one larger plastic ball/coloured balloon
Additional technician notes
The smoke cell may need cleaning after use if a wax covered/plasticized paper straw
is used.

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