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Diffusion is the process by which something dissolved in a fluid will move from higher concentrations to lower concentrations. A drop of food coloring in a glass of water will gradually diffuse throughout the entire glass until it is a uniform color.
In Biology, diffusion is commonly across a membrane (like a cell membrane). If the concentration of sodium is higher on one side of a membrane, and it can pass through the membrane, it will move from the higher concentration to the lower until the two sides have the equal concentration.
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Molecules will diffuse randomly due to their kinetic energy, moving in all directions until they reach equilibrium. Eventually, the molecules will be evenly distributed throughout the system.
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What are the characteristics of gaseous exchange surfaces?
Features of gas exchange surfacesHave a large surface area relative to the volume of the organism.They are thin, so have a short diffusion pathway.They have a moist surface where gases can dissolve first before they diffuse in our out.They are able to maintain the diffusion gradient down which the gases can diffuse.
Infer the relationship between rate diffusion and molecular mass of a substance?
The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molecular mass of a substance. Generally, smaller molecules diffuse faster than larger ones because they are able to move more easily through a medium due to their lighter weight. Conversely, larger molecules diffuse slower because they collide more frequently with other molecules and require more energy to move.
Why do solid lack property of diffusion?
Solids have tightly packed particles that vibrate in fixed positions, limiting their ability to move around and diffuse. Diffusion requires particles to be able to move freely and spread out, which is not easily achievable in solid materials due to their fixed structure.
What characteristics is more likely to make a substance diffuse through the cell membrane?
Substances that are small, nonpolar, and/or uncharged are more likely to diffuse through the cell membrane. This is because these types of molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane easily, while larger, polar, or charged molecules may have difficulty crossing the membrane.
Why do liquids show the phenomenon of diffusion to more extent than solids?
Diffusion appears in liquids and gases because the molecules are able to move freely. Therefore, the molecules are able to move down their concentration gradient. In solids however, the molecules are packed so tightly that a negligible amount of movement occurs and inhibits diffusion.
What are the characteristics of gaseous exchange surfaces?
Features of gas exchange surfacesHave a large surface area relative to the volume of the organism.They are thin, so have a short diffusion pathway.They have a moist surface where gases can dissolve first before they diffuse in our out.They are able to maintain the diffusion gradient down which the gases can diffuse.
Diffusion of nonpolar molecules would not be affected by?
Diffusion of nonpolar molecules would not be affected by factors such as temperature, concentration gradient, or the presence of other nonpolar molecules. Nonpolar molecules are able to diffuse freely through cell membranes and other barriers due to their lack of charge, making them less influenced by these factors compared to polar molecules.
Infer the relationship between rate diffusion and molecular mass of a substance?
The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molecular mass of a substance. Generally, smaller molecules diffuse faster than larger ones because they are able to move more easily through a medium due to their lighter weight. Conversely, larger molecules diffuse slower because they collide more frequently with other molecules and require more energy to move.
What molecule is able to easily diffuse across the cell's membrane?
Carbon dioxide, oxygen and some nonpolar molecules diffuse easily.
Explain why some substances were able to pass through the membrane while others were not able to?
Substances pass through a membrane based on their size, charge, and solubility. Smaller molecules, non-polar molecules, and those with a neutral charge are generally able to pass through a membrane via simple diffusion. Larger molecules, polar molecules, and those with a charged nature may require specific transport proteins or channels to facilitate their passage.
Why do solid lack property of diffusion?
Solids have tightly packed particles that vibrate in fixed positions, limiting their ability to move around and diffuse. Diffusion requires particles to be able to move freely and spread out, which is not easily achievable in solid materials due to their fixed structure.
How can solids diffuse?
Solids can diffuse through a process called solid-state diffusion, where atoms or molecules migrate within the solid material without a change in the state of matter. Diffusion in solids usually happens at higher temperatures when there is enough thermal energy for atoms or molecules to move around. The rate of diffusion in solids is generally slower compared to liquids or gases.
What are features of gaseous exchange surfaces in animals?
Have a large surface area relative to the volume of the organism.They are thin, so have a short diffusion pathway.They have a moist surface where gases can dissolve first before they diffuse in our out.They are able to maintain the diffusion gradient down which the gases can diffuse.
Why does oxygen diffuse into the blood instead of the active transport?
Oxygen is a small molecule that can easily diffuse across cell membranes, including the membranes of red blood cells. This passive diffusion process is faster and more efficient than active transport for molecules like oxygen that are able to freely move across cell membranes.
What characteristics is more likely to make a substance diffuse through the cell membrane?
Substances that are small, nonpolar, and/or uncharged are more likely to diffuse through the cell membrane. This is because these types of molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane easily, while larger, polar, or charged molecules may have difficulty crossing the membrane.
What molecules would easily be able to diffuse through a cell membrane without the help of a transport protein?
Small, nonpolar molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water can easily diffuse through the cell membrane without the need for a transport protein. Their small size and lipophilic nature allow them to pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane via simple diffusion.
Why do liquids show the phenomenon of diffusion to more extent than solids?
Diffusion appears in liquids and gases because the molecules are able to move freely. Therefore, the molecules are able to move down their concentration gradient. In solids however, the molecules are packed so tightly that a negligible amount of movement occurs and inhibits diffusion.
