Experimental demonstration that a free-falling aerosol particle obeys a fluctuation theorem.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29906952.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1103/PhysRevE.97.050601.
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Abstract
We investigate the fluctuating motion of an aerosol particle falling in air. Using a Millikan-like setup, we tracked a 1-μm sphere falling at its terminal velocity. We observe occurrences of particles undergoing upward displacements against the force of gravity, so that negative work is done briefly. These negative-work events have a probability that is shown to obey the work fluctuation theorem. This experimental confirmation of the theorem's applicability to aerosols leads us to develop and demonstrate an application: an in situ measurement of an aerosol particle's mass.