Diffusion

Diffusion is the process by which particles spread out from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
In cells, substances move in and out across the cell membrane by diffusion, allowing essential exchanges to take place.
Examples of substances that move by diffusion include:
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide during gas exchange.
- Urea, a waste product, which diffuses from cells into the blood plasma for removal by the kidneys.

Diffusion.

Concentration Gradient: The greater the difference in concentration between two areas, the faster the rate of diffusion.
Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the movement of particles, speeding up diffusion.
Surface Area of the Membrane: A larger surface area allows more particles to diffuse at once, increasing the rate.
Distance: The shorter the distance particles have to travel, the faster the diffusion rate.

By understanding these factors, we can predict how efficiently substances like gases and waste products move in and out of cells, helping them function properly.

Diffusion: The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Concentration: The amount of a substance in a given volume.
Cell membrane: The partially permeable boundary of a cell across which diffusion occurs.
Oxygen: A gas that diffuses into cells for respiration.
Carbon dioxide: A gas that diffuses out of cells as a waste product of respiration.
Urea: A waste product that diffuses from cells into the blood.
Concentration gradient: The difference in concentration between two areas.
Surface area: The total area of the cell membrane available for diffusion.
Rate of diffusion: How quickly particles move by diffusion.

Diffusion Demonstration: Conduct a simple home experiment, like placing a tea bag in hot water or a drop of food colouring in a glass of water, to observe and describe the process of diffusion.
Factor Investigation Plan: Choose one factor affecting diffusion (e.g., temperature, surface area). Design a simple experiment you could do (even if you can't perform it) to investigate how changing this factor would affect the rate of diffusion.