Diffusion Flashcards
What’s diffusion?
Net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
( down concentration gradient)
What kind of process is diffusion?
Passive (doesn’t use energy itself)
8 factors that affect the rate of reaction of diffusion.
- surface area
-Temperature - concentration
- thinner membranes
- thickness of plasma membrane
-Solubility - solvent density
- Mass of molecules diffusing
How does surface area affect its rate of reaction (diffusion)
↑ SA = faster diffusion
-Provides more space for the particles to move = allowing them to reach equilibrium more quickly.
How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?
↑ temp = increase kinetic energy = happens quicker.
How does concentration affect the rate of diffusion?
↑ concentration gradient = ↑ rate of reaction of diffusion.
How does thinner membranes affect ie rate of diffusion?
Less distance to move =↑ distance = ↓ rate
How does thickness of plasma membranes affect the rate of diffusion?
↑ thickness = ↓rate
How does solubility affect the rate of diffusion?
Non-polar /lipid soluble materials =↑ rate
How does solvent density affect its rate of diffusion?
↑ density= ↓ rate
How does the mass of molecules diffusing affect the rate of diffusion?
“Heavy” molecules =↓ rate = move less quickly.
