distribution law
Noun: 1. A principle in physical chemistry: The distribution law describes how a solute partitions itself between two immiscible solvents at equilibrium. The ratio of concentrations of the solute in the two solvents is a constant at a given temperature. 2. A statistical principle: More broadly, it can refer to any law describing how a property (like energy, speed, or mass) is statistically distributed among the members of a system, such as molecules in a gas.
The term is used primarily in scientific contexts, specifically chemistry and physics, to describe predictable patterns of distribution. * It is often preceded by a specific descriptor (e.g., the Nernst distribution law, the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution law). * It functions as the subject or object in a sentence explaining a scientific principle.
- Noun:
- The distribution law allows chemists to predict how much of a compound will be extracted into an organic layer.
- According to the distribution law, the ratio of the concentrations in the two phases is constant.
- Understanding the distribution law is fundamental to separation techniques like liquid-liquid extraction.
- "Nernst distribution law" (or Partition law): The specific application of the distribution law to solute partitioning between two solvents. The constant ratio is called the partition coefficient (K).
- The experiment demonstrated the Nernst distribution law by showing a constant partition coefficient for iodine between water and carbon tetrachloride.
- In statistical mechanics, various distribution laws (e.g., Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac) describe how particles are distributed over different energy states.
- Partition law: A direct synonym for the Nernst distribution law.
- Partition coefficient (K): The constant value derived from the distribution law.
- Statistical distribution: The broader mathematical concept underlying distribution laws.
- Partition law
- Partition principle
- To obey/follow a distribution law: To behave in accordance with the principle.
- The solute was found to obey the distribution law across all tested concentrations.
- To apply the distribution law: To use the principle in a calculation or prediction.
- We can apply the distribution law to calculate the efficiency of the extraction process.
- (chemistry) the total energy in an assembly of molecules is not distributed equally but is distributed around an average value according to a statistical distribution