B2.1.1 Diffusion

Question 1

What is diffusion?

Answer 1

The passive net movement of particles from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration, down a concentration gradient

Question 2

How does oxygen diffuse from the air in your lungs to you blood?

Answer 2

The oxygen in inhaled air passes across the thin lining of the air sacs and into the capillaries via diffusion
The oxygen in the blood is then carried around the body in the bloodstream, reaching every cell.

Question 3

What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

Answer 3

-Distance: shorter distance increases rate of diffusion
-Surface Area: allows more space for diffusion so more particles can move in a period of time, increases rate
-Concentration Gradient: the steeper the concentration gradient, the greater the net movement of particles therefore increases rate

Question 4

What is the concentration gradient?

Answer 4

The concentration gradient is the difference in concentration of a substance between two areas.