B1.6 - Diffusion Flashcards
What is Diffusion?
Diffusion is the spreading out of particles of a gas, or any other substance in a solution.
What ares do the particles move to and from?
They move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Why do particles diffuse?
Particles move because of the random movement of other particles in the area.
How does concentration change the rate of diffusion?
Diffusion happens faster when the particles are more highly concentrated. In this situation, the pure amount of particles means that more random movement will happen and the particles will spread out more.
What will the rate of diffusion be if there is only a small difference in concentration.
The rate of diffusion will be quite slow.
What is the formula for net movement?
net movement = particles moving in - particles moving out
What is the difference in concentration between two areas called?
The concentration gradient
What happens if the concentration gradient is greater?
Diffusion will happen faster.
How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?
Higher temperatures mean the particles have more energy, so random movement will happen more often and with greater speed.
What do substances have to diffuse across to enter a human cell?
Substances have to diffuse across a cell membrane.
What substances might have to diffuse across a cell membrane?
Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Waste Products.
