Question

How is the rate of diffusion affected by an increase in temperature?

Answer 1

Diffusion refers to the process of transferring particles from a high concentration to a low-concentration region. The rate of this motion is a function of temperature, medium viscosity, and particle size.

Complete answer:
Diffusion is the passive transfer of compounds from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration region. Diffusion of substances plays an essential part in the movement of cells in plants. As long as there is a contrast between the quantities of a material over a membrane, diffusion takes place. The rate of diffusion is influenced by the concentration gradient, permeability of the membrane, temperature and pressure. Many of the diffusion factors will have a cumulative effect. Diffusion rate increases as the permeability of the membrane increases.

Changes in temperature and pressure conditions also influence the diffusion of liquids. Pressure plays an important role in the absorption of gases as it diffuses from a higher partial pressure region to a lower partial pressure region. Owing to the kinetic energy associated with them, particles shift. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy associated with each particle increases. As a consequence, the ions are travelling quicker. If they can travel quicker, they can also spread faster. Conversely, as the kinetic energy associated with the molecules decreases, so does their motion. As a result, the diffusion rate would be slower.

Note: In biochemistry, diffusion refers to one of the mechanisms by which molecules may pass through the plasma membrane or cross membranes inside the cell into and out of cells, such as the nuclear membrane or the membrane that encloses mitochondria.