volume_mute

Spontaneous Distribution Over Time

publish date: 2026/05/19 08:39:32.553505 UTC

volume_mute

A drop of concentrated colored ink is carefully placed at the bottom of a tall cylinder filled with clear, completely undisturbed water. What will happen over a long period of time?

The ink molecules will spontaneously spread upward and outward until they are uniformly distributed throughout the cylinder.

The ink will remain completely contained at the bottom indefinitely unless the cylinder is physically shaken.

The ink forms a dense solid crystal at the base due to the hydrostatic pressure of the water column.

The ink molecules separate into distinct layers based entirely on subatomic weight classifications.

Correct Answer

The ink molecules will spontaneously spread upward and outward until they are uniformly distributed throughout the cylinder.

Explanation

Due to the intrinsic, unceasing thermal kinetic motion of the liquid molecules, the ink particles will naturally and spontaneously migrate from the region of high concentration at the bottom to regions of lower concentration until a uniform mixture is achieved.

Reference

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Diffusion through liquids and gases