Chapter Objectives

1. Describe rate processes in solids involving movement of atoms in a solid state based on Boltzmann’s relationship. Explain the concept of activation energy, E*, and determine the fraction of atoms or molecules having energy greater than E* at a given temperature.
2. Describe the effect of temperature on reaction rates based on Arrhenius rate equation.
3. Describe the two main mechanisms of diffusion.
4. Distinguish between steady and nonsteady diffusion and apply Fick’s first and second law to the solution of related problems.
5. Describe the industrial applications of the diffusion process.