What is the diffusion?

In general, diffusion simply means the spread of a substance or quality in the area of ​​a relatively high concentration into a lower concentration area. This term is most often used to describe the process by which the molecules of different types achieve uniform concentrations after they were originally unevenly distributed through their random movements. This is sometimes called molecular diffusion and plays a key role in many areas of physics, chemistry and biology. It is closely related to how cells occupy nutrients, so that life could not exist without it. The term may also apply to the spread of heat or light, or in connection with the social science of spreading ideas or innovation through society.

molecules are constantly in motion due to the presence of heat; Even at extremely low temperatures there is some thermal energy, which gives the particles thermal movement. In solids, the particles are held in a relatively rigid structure and cannot wander too far from their starting positions but in liquidCH and gases can move freely in a less limited way. This movement is random because the molecules are constantly reflected apart, so there is no overall formula. This random movement is what allows diffusion. The speed at which this phenomenon occurs increases with temperature because the speed at which the particles move.

If two different gases are brought to mutual contact at the same temperature, then over time, the random movement of their molecules causes them to mix until they are evenly distributed, without the influence of the external factor. A similar phenomenon can often be observed in two different liquids, but sometimes due to chemical factors, liquids are not mixed. For example, adding vegetable oil to water will not result in diffusion. When the solid fabric is in the liquid, its molecules are scattered in the liquid.

in liquids that mix can be observable diffusion if they are liquidIny different colors. However, this phenomenon should not be confused with a convection or council that includes the mass movement of the currents that require a source of energy. Diffusion is one form of what scientists call passive transport, which means movement that occurs without any other energy. In the frequently cited example, adding a drop of colored color to a glass of water is most of the mixing that occurs, in fact, the currents determined by the initial movement of a drop of dye under gravity. In experiments that eliminate this and similar effects, real diffusion can be observed; For example, the colored water can be seen that it is distracted by the gel, but it is a much slower process.

importance for life

The

diffusion also plays a role in the processes involved in the life of the cell, in particular nutrients, amino acids and other basic substances from one place to another. Osmosis, the process by which the molecules are transported through the walls and membranes of individual plant and animal cells is a form of diffusee. The cell wall is a selectively permeable membrane or which may pass certain molecules, but others cannot. If there is a solution of high concentration on the one hand, while on the other side there is the same solution at a lower concentration, the solvent will tend to move to the area of ​​higher concentration until both solutions reach balance. This can only happen if the molecules are dissolved substances - dissolved substances - greater than a molegous solvent. Smaller solvent molecules can pass through the membrane, while the larger ones are too large to do so, and must remain on the other side.

other forms of diffusion

Diffusion may also mean a firm heat spread, although this is usually referred to as the lead and the spread of light through the translucent substance - for example, the matt glass in the bulb used to provide the "scattered" light that is more pleasant on the eye. In addition to the context of physics, this term can be used to describe the spread of idea or innovative technology throughI know the population through contact between people, by a group or observing the benefits brought to others.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES

Was this article helpful? Thanks for the feedback Thanks for the feedback

How can we help? How can we help?