#diffusion #chemistry #stateofmatter
Diffusion occurs in gases and liquids, due to the random motion of their particles
It is where particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
Eventually the concentration of particles is even as the particles are evenly spread throughout the available space
Diffusion happens on its own and no energy input is required
Although, it occurs faster at higher temperatures because the particles have more kinetic energy
Diffusion in liquids
Potassium manganate(VII), KMnO4 , in water is a typical demonstration of diffusion in liquids:
Diffusion in gases
Diffusion is faster in gases than in liquids
This is because gaseous particles have more energy and move quicker than liquid particles
For example, the diffusion of bromine gas and air
At the start, the orange-brown bromine gas is an area of high concentration
It diffuses from a high to low concentration
After 5 minutes, the bromine gas will have diffused from the bottom jar until it is evenly spread throughout both jars
The same can be said for the air, although it is less obvious as it is colourless
How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion in gases and liquids, and why does this occur?