(b) State two factors that affect the rate of diffusion
(a) Diffusion: Diffusion is the net movement of molecules of a substance from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, as a result of the random motion of the molecules, until the molecules are evenly distributed.
(b) Two factors that affect the rate of diffusion:
Temperature - a higher temperature gives the molecules greater average kinetic energy, so they move faster and diffuse more rapidly.
Relative molecular mass (density) of the substance - lighter (less dense) molecules move faster and therefore diffuse more quickly than heavier ones.
(The concentration gradient and the medium of diffusion, gas versus liquid, are also acceptable factors.)
(a) Diffusion: Diffusion is the net movement of molecules of a substance from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, as a result of the random motion of the molecules, until the molecules are evenly distributed.
(b) Two factors that affect the rate of diffusion:
Temperature - a higher temperature gives the molecules greater average kinetic energy, so they move faster and diffuse more rapidly.
Relative molecular mass (density) of the substance - lighter (less dense) molecules move faster and therefore diffuse more quickly than heavier ones.
(The concentration gradient and the medium of diffusion, gas versus liquid, are also acceptable factors.)