Unit 1: Diffusion

Question 1

Assuming perfect elasticity, what can affect the rate (speed) at which each particle diffuses:

Answer 1

• the mass of the diffusing particle
• the temperature of the system
• characteristic of the space the particle is diffusing through
• size and amount of particles present does not affect rate

Question 2

Why is diffusion spontaneous?

Answer 2

• proceeds eventually so that all particles even out the concentration and energy is released and can be harnessed to do work
• the opposite is true: in order to concentrate the solute particles in one area or on one side, work must be done on them and an input of energy is required

Question 3

Which statements are false about diffusion?

• Diffusion depends on the intrinsic kinetic energy of molecules.
• Diffusion continues until the concentrations are equal on both sides.
• Diffusion is a random process.

Answer 3

• Diffusion continues until the concentrations are equal on both sides
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• reaching equilibrium doesn’t mean that things stop moving or reacting

Question 4

What is diffusion the result?

Answer 4

• diffusion is the result of molecular kinetic energy and entropy
• molecules tend to move from regions of high concentration to regions of low concentration and even everything out

Question 5

diffusion and osmosis

Answer 5

• largely driven by kinetic energy and entropy

- cells harness these processes for energy

Question 6

osmosis

Answer 6

• diffusion of water across a membrane