Question

Name the characteristics of matter that are demonstrated by diffusion.

Answer 1

Diffusion is a process of movement of particles or ions from a side of high concentration side to a side of low concentration. This property is associated with liquids and gases.

Complete step by step answer:
Diffusion is movement of molecules across a concentration gradient. Diffusion is the most common process in liquids and gases due to greater movement of molecules. The diffusion is of two types one is simple and the other is facilitated diffusion.
The simple diffusion is the process of movement of particles across a semipermeable membrane without the help of other substances. Facilitated diffusion is the movement of particles across the membrane from a side of high concentration to a side of lower concentration by means of carrier molecules.
The factors which affect diffusion are temperature of the surrounding area of interaction between the particles, shape and size of the particle and height of the concentration gradient. The characteristics of matter which are demonstrated by the diffusion process are mentioned below.
a. Particles are very small in size and have interparticle spaces between them
b. Particles of a matter attract each other. The force of attraction is strongest in case of solid as they are tightly packed.
c. Liquid and gaseous matter is composed of loosely packed molecules hence they diffuse much faster than closely packed solid matter which diffuses slowly.

Note:
Diffusion is a process which involves solid, liquid or gas. Two immiscible substances must diffuse with each other to form a mixture. The process inverse of diffusion is known as osmosis. It involves movement of particles from side of low concentration side to side of high concentration side.