1.2 Diffusion Flashcards
What is diffusion?
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration due to their random motion.
Where does diffusion occur?
Diffusion occurs in liquids and gases because particles in these states can move, collide with each other, and spread apart. It does not occur in solids because particles only vibrate in fixed positions.
How does kinetic particle theory explain diffusion?
Kinetic particle theory explains that particles move randomly and spread out from areas of high concentration to low concentration. The speed and movement of particles contribute to the process of diffusion.
Why does diffusion not occur in solids?
In solids, particles are in fixed positions and only vibrate, so they cannot move from place to place, making diffusion impossible.
Which state of matter diffuses the fastest?
Gases diffuse the fastest, followed by liquids, and solids diffuse the slowest.
What is relative molecular mass?
Relative molecular mass is the mass of one molecule, calculated by the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule.
How does the relative molecular mass affect the rate of diffusion of gases?
The larger the relative molecular mass, the slower the diffusion rate because heavier particles move slower. Lighter particles move faster, increasing the rate of diffusion.
Give an example of a gas and its relative molecular mass.
The relative molecular mass of CO₂ is 44.
Why do larger molecules diffuse more slowly?
Larger molecules are heavier, so they move slower and diffuse at a slower rate compared to smaller molecules.
How does the molecular mass influence the speed of molecules?
Molecules with a lower mass move faster on average, while molecules with a higher mass move slower.
