Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This movement occurs naturally and does not require any energy input.
How Diffusion Works:
- Random Motion: Particles in a solution are constantly moving randomly.
- Concentration Gradient: When there is a difference in concentration between two areas, particles move from the area of higher concentration to the area of lower concentration.
- Equilibrium: Diffusion continues until the concentration of particles is equal throughout the solution.
Examples of Diffusion:
- Perfume in a Room: When you spray perfume, the scent molecules diffuse throughout the room until you can smell it everywhere.
- Sugar in Water: When you add sugar to water, the sugar molecules diffuse throughout the water until the solution is evenly sweet.
- Oxygen in the Lungs: Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli in the lungs into the bloodstream, where it is transported to the body's cells.
Factors Affecting Diffusion:
- Concentration Gradient: The larger the difference in concentration, the faster the rate of diffusion.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the rate of diffusion.
- Surface Area: A larger surface area allows for faster diffusion.
- Distance: The shorter the distance, the faster the rate of diffusion.
Importance of Diffusion:
Diffusion is essential for many biological processes, including:
- Cellular Respiration: Oxygen diffuses into cells for energy production.
- Nutrient Transport: Nutrients diffuse into cells from the bloodstream.
- Waste Removal: Waste products diffuse out of cells.
