diffusion

• What is diffusion?

  Diffusion is the movement of particles from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
• Why is diffusion considered a natural tendency for particles?

  Because it leads to the spreading out of particles.
• In which states of matter does diffusion occur?

  Diffusion occurs in both liquids and gases.
• What is an example of diffusion in everyday life?

  The smell of perfume diffusing through the air.
• What happens to the diffusion rate when the concentration gradient increases?

  The diffusion rate increases with a larger concentration gradient.
• How does temperature affect the diffusion rate?

  A higher temperature increases the diffusion rate because particles move faster.
• What is the primary function of cell membranes in relation to diffusion?

  Cell membranes hold the cell together and allow substances to move in and out.
• What types of molecules can diffuse through cell membranes?

  Only very small molecules like oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and water can diffuse through cell membranes.
• Which molecules cannot fit through cell membranes?

  Big molecules like starch and proteins cannot fit through the membrane.
• How do particles move through the cell membrane during diffusion?

  Particles move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.
• What is the net movement of particles when there is a higher concentration on one side of the membrane?

  There is a net movement of particles from the side with higher concentration to the side with lower concentration.
• How does the surface area of a membrane affect the diffusion rate?

  A larger surface area increases the diffusion rate because more particles can pass through at once.
• What are the key points about diffusion in relation to cell membranes?

  • Cell membranes allow dissolved substances to move in and out by diffusion.
  • Only small molecules can diffuse through.
  • Particles move from high to low concentration.
  • Net movement occurs towards lower concentration.
  • Larger surface area increases diffusion rate.
• What are the factors affecting the rate of diffusion?

  • Concentration gradient: larger gradient increases rate.
  • Temperature: higher temperature increases rate.
  • Surface area: larger area increases rate.
• What is osmosis?

  Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.