Question

Describe any four factors affecting the diffusion process.

Answer 1

Diffusion is a process resulting from the random motion of molecules in a solution where the particles are moved from high concentration to low concentration. Several factors determine the rate of diffusion of a solute including the mass of solute, the temperature of the environment, the solvent density, concentration, and solubility.

Complete answer:
Diffusion is the passive movement of a solute across a permeable membrane which separates two different concentration solutions. The kinetic energy of the molecules results in the random motion, causing diffusion.
Factors that affect diffusion:
Many factors influence the rate at which diffusion takes place, including medium through with a substance diffusing, the size of molecules diffusing, the temperature of the solution, and the distance travelled between collisions. While diffusion go forward in the presence of a concentration gradient substance, several factors affect the rate of diffusion,
(1) The Extent of the concentration gradient: The greater the difference in concentration, the more rapid the diffusion. The closer the distribution of substance gets to equilibrium, the slower the rate of diffusion.
(2) Mass of molecules diffusing: Heavier molecules move more slowly and therefore diffusion more slowly. Similarly lighter molecules diffuse faster.
(3) Temperature: Higher temperature increases the energy and therefore the movement of the molecules, increasing the rate of diffusion. Lower temperatures decrease the energy of the molecules, thus decrease the rate of diffusion.
(4) Solubility: Non-polar or liquid soluble materials pass through the plasma membrane, the rate of diffusion more than polar substances.

Note: The kind of proliferation is known as spatial diffusion. The three main types of this phenomenon are expansion diffusion, stimulus diffusion, and relocation diffusion. Diffusion occurs when gas molecules disperse throughout a container. Effusion occurs when a gas passes through an opening that is smaller than the free path of the particles, which is the average distance traveled between collisions.