Factors that affect diffusion

Question 1

Temperature

Answer 1

As the temperature increases the rate of diffusion also increases because molecules gain more energy and move around faster, This results in more molecules moving down the concentration gradient in a given time.

Question 2

Surface Area

Answer 2

The larger the surface area the faster the rate of diffusion. In our bodies structures such as the Alveoli in the lungs and the Villi in the small intestine helps increase the diffusion of oxygen and digestion of nutrients respectively.

Question 3

Concentration Gradient

Answer 3

The steeper the concentration gradient the faster the diffusion will take place. The bigger the difference in the concentration of the substance across the partially permeable membrane, the quicker diffusion will take place.

Question 4

Diffusion Distance

Answer 4

The shorter the diffusion distance, the faster the rate of diffusion will be. Many diffusion surfaces in our body are relatively thin in order to allow diffusion to take place as efficiently as possible.