Factors Affecting the Rate of Diffusion
Factors Affecting the Rate of Diffusion
Concept of Diffusion
- Diffusion refers to the passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- Recognize that diffusion occurs until particles are evenly distributed, establishing equilibrium.
- Understand that diffusion is an example of passive transport, meaning it doesn’t require any energy.
Factors Influencing the Rate of Diffusion
Concentration Gradient
- Understand the role of concentration gradient, which refers to the difference in concentration of a substance across a distance.
- Recognize that a greater concentration gradient leads to a faster rate of diffusion.
Temperature
- Learn how increased temperature speed up diffusion. This is because particles move faster at higher temperatures due to increased kinetic energy.
Particle Size
- Realize the impact of particle size. Smaller particles diffuse faster because they can move around more easily.
Surface Area
- Grasp the influence of the surface area exposed to the substance. An increased surface area provides more opportunities for particles to move, speeding up diffusion.
Medium
- Understand the effect of medium. Gases generally diffuse faster than liquids because particles are more spread out and can move around more freely in gas.
Distance
- Learn how the distance the particles need to move affects the rate of diffusion. A shorter distance allows for quicker diffusion.
Remember, understanding these factors will help you predict and explain how changes in conditions can affect the rate of diffusion.