The rate of diffusion of molecules between two media will be higher if_________?
Answer Details
The rate of diffusion of molecules between two media will be higher if the difference in concentration of the two media is high.
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration until they reach equilibrium. The rate of diffusion is directly proportional to the concentration gradient, which is the difference in concentration between the two regions.
If the concentration gradient is high, that means there is a large difference in concentration between the two regions, which creates a steeper gradient for molecules to move down. As a result, the rate of diffusion will be faster because the molecules will move more rapidly to reach equilibrium.
On the other hand, if the concentration gradient is low or negligible, that means there is little or no difference in concentration between the two regions, and the gradient for molecules to move down is less steep. Consequently, the rate of diffusion will be slower as the movement of molecules will be less rapid. If there is no difference in concentration between the two media, there will be no concentration gradient and no movement of molecules, and therefore, no diffusion.