How do the following factors affect the rate of diffusion?
(i) Diffusion gradient
(ii) Surface area to volume ratio.
(iii) Temperature
Answer:
(i) Diffusion gradient:
- The higher the diffusion gradient (difference in concentration between two points/regions) the higher the rate of diffusion while the lower the diffusion gradient the lower the rate of diffusion.
(ii) Surface area to volume ratio.:
- The higher the surface area to volume ratio, the faster the rate of diffusion while the lower ratio the slower the rate of diffusion.
(iii) Temperature:
- Increasing in temperature increases energy content in a molecule hence faster rate of diffusion.