Diffusion

Cards (2)

  • Diffusion
    Definition: the net movement of molecules down the concentration gradient from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration due to the random movement of the particles. Diffusion happens in both solutions and gases as the particles are free to move randomly.
  • what three things affect the rate of diffusion?
    • Temperature: rate of diffusion is faster at higher temperatures because the particles will have more kinetic energy, thus will move around faster.
    • Surface area to volume ratio of the membrane: the larger the surface area, the faster the rate of diffusion because more particles can pass through the membrane at the same time.
    • Concentration gradient: the bigger the difference between the concentrations of each side, the faster the rate of diffusion.