> It doesn't work that way. =A0The mechnism is actually much simpler than t=
hat.
> It's basically about the probability of what each molecule does on its ow=
n,
> then the average effect scaled to the macular level. =A0You're overthinki=
ng
> this.

Or, mayhaps, the descriptions are overdescribing it ;-).
(Make that ... and ... )
ie if I believe what I read rather than what makes sense then it looks
like magic is happening.
ie the descriptions (including some "laws') are wrong. in an attempt
to describe things simply.
As happens.
But, your comment provides the neceesary and obvious insight :-).
ie diffusion rate of a given gas IS proportional to the difference in
partial pressures of the components on each side BUT is not per se
directly related related to the difference. ie the two parts on each
side wholly independently diffuse from their realtive sides at a rate
related to their fraction of the total molar content present on th
source side , and you then add the two parts to get an apparent
diffusion rate in one direction only.
Doh.

The important implication for me is the (utterly obvious now) fact
that you CANNOT stop a given gas diffusing by "balancing" it with
anything on the other side.


 Russell

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