Diffusion and Factors Affecting Its Rate

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of diffusion, net movement, membrane permeability, and the key factors affecting the rate of diffusion based on the lecture notes.

Net movement

The movement of all of the particles considered together as a group.

Media where diffusion occurs

Both gases (such as perfume diffusing across a room) and liquids (such as food coloring diffusing through water).

Partially permeable membrane

A membrane through which only some molecules are able to diffuse.

Small molecules (cell membrane diffusion)

Very small molecules dissolved in fluid inside or outside the cell that can fit and diffuse through the cell membrane, including water, glucose, and amino acids.

Larger molecules (cell membrane diffusion)

Molecules that cannot fit or diffuse through the cell membrane because they are too big, such as proteins and starch.

Concentration gradient

The difference in particle concentrations between two places; a larger concentration gradient results in a higher rate of diffusion.

Effect of temperature on diffusion

Higher temperatures give particles more energy, causing them to move around faster and resulting in a higher rate of diffusion.

Effect of surface area on diffusion

A larger surface area allows more particles to fit around its surface and diffuse in and out at any point in time, leading to a higher rate of diffusion.