diffusion

• What is diffusion?

  The net movement of particles from high to low concentration
• What happens to molecules when they are left alone?

  They move about randomly and spread out
• How does diffusion relate to concentration?

  Particles move from high to low concentration areas
• What is the definition of net movement in diffusion?

  Movement of all particles considered together
• What happens when you spray perfume in a room?

  It quickly diffuses across the room
• What occurs when food coloring is added to water?

  It diffuses until the water is uniform in color
• What is a partially permeable membrane?

  A membrane allowing only some molecules to pass
• Which molecules can generally diffuse through cell membranes?

  Small molecules like water and glucose
• Why can't larger molecules diffuse through cell membranes?

  They are too big to fit through
• Is diffusion an active or passive process?

  Passive process
• What does a higher temperature do to the rate of diffusion?

  It increases the rate of diffusion
• How does surface area affect the rate of diffusion?

  Larger surface area increases the rate of diffusion
• What are the three factors that affect the rate of diffusion?

  • Concentration gradient
  • Temperature
  • Surface area
• What is a concentration gradient?

  The difference in concentration between two places
• How does a larger concentration gradient affect diffusion?

  It increases the rate of diffusion
• What happens to particles at higher temperatures?

  They move around faster
• Why does a larger surface area lead to a higher rate of diffusion?

  More particles can diffuse in and out at once
• What is the overall summary of diffusion?

  • Molecules move randomly
  • Spread from high to low concentration
  • Can occur in gases and liquids
  • Passive process requiring no energy