3.6 Diffusion Flashcards
What is the first thing to understand about diffusion?
All particles are constantly in motion, because of kinetic energy.
What is diffusion an example of?
Passive transport
What is the second thing to understand about diffusion?
The motion is random, with no set pattern
What is the third thing to understand about diffusion?
Particles are constantly bouncing off each other
What is the definition of diffusion?
The net movement of molecules or ions from a region where they are more highly concentrated to one where their concentration is lower.
What are the three factors affecting the rate of diffusion?
Concentration gradient
Area over which diffusion takes place
Thickness of exchange surface
How does the concentration gradient affect the diffusion rate?
The great the difference in concentration, the faster the rate of diffusion.
How does the area over which diffusion takes place affect its rate?
The larger the surface area, the faster the rate of diffusion
How does the thickness of the exchange surface affect the rate of diffusion?
The thinner an exchange surface, the faster the rate.
What is diffusion proportional to?
Surface area x difference in concentration / length of diffusion pathway
