Diffusion

Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a highly concentrated region across a concentration gradient to a region of lower concentration, resulting in equilibrium. Take this interactive tour to help you master the process and terminology.

In solutions or gases, particles (whether atoms, molecules, or ions) normally tend to move in a random order. Differences in concentration, however, can change that randomness.

Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a highly concentrated region across a concentration gradient to a region of lower concentration, resulting in equilibrium.

A concentration gradient is a change in the concentration level of a substance from an area of high concentrationto an area of lower concentration.

In a solution containing areas of high concentration and other areas of lower concentration, particles will move in a semi-random order until the entire solution has the same concentration throughout. At this point equilibrium is achieved.

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Click one of these links to get more help from another Cramlet in this same chapter:

• Diffusion
• Chemical Properties of Water
• About Aqueous Reactions