Diffusion

Question 1

What is diffusion?

Answer 1

The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration

Diffusion is driven by the kinetic energy of particles.

Question 2

In which states of matter does diffusion occur?

Answer 2

Diffusion occurs in liquids and gases

Particles in solids cannot diffuse as they can only vibrate in fixed positions.

Question 3

Why does diffusion not occur in solids?

Answer 3

Particles cannot move from place to place in solids

They are restricted to vibrating in fixed positions.

Question 4

What is relative molecular mass?

Answer 4

The mass of one molecule, calculated by the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule

Example: The relative molecular mass of CO2 is 44.

Question 5

How does relative molecular mass affect the rate of diffusion of gases?

Answer 5

The larger the relative molecular mass, the slower the diffusion rate

Heavier particles move slower, resulting in a decreased rate of diffusion.

Question 6

What happens to the rate of diffusion as the relative molecular mass decreases?

Answer 6

The rate of diffusion increases

Lighter particles move faster, leading to a higher diffusion rate.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Diffusion occurs due to the _______ of particles.

Answer 7

[kinetic energy]

Question 8

True or False: Diffusion can occur in solids.

Answer 8

False

Solids do not allow particle movement necessary for diffusion.