Which of the following is a key factor in calculating the mass transfer coefficient?

The mass transfer coefficient is an essential parameter in determining the rate at which mass is transported between phases, such as between a gas and a liquid or within different parts of a single phase. Key factors influencing the mass transfer coefficient include the Sherwood number (Sh), the Reynolds number (Re), and the Schmidt number (Sc).

The Sherwood number relates to the mass transfer relative to diffusion and convection processes. The Reynolds number quantifies the flow regime, indicating whether the flow is laminar or turbulent, which profoundly affects how mass is transported. Lastly, the Schmidt number is the ratio of momentum diffusivity to mass diffusivity and helps characterize the relative importance of viscous and diffusional transport mechanisms.

Together, these parameters enable engineers to predict how efficiently mass transfer occurs in different systems, making them critical in the computation of the mass transfer coefficient. Hence, the choice that includes Sh, Re, and Sc provides the necessary variables for proper calculation and understanding of mass transfer phenomena.