Diffusion

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Diffusion

Diffusion (/dɪˈfjuːʒən/; from Latin diffusio, "a pouring out") is a process that allows particles to move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This process is a fundamental concept in the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics.

Etymology

The term "diffusion" originates from the Latin word diffusio, which means "a pouring out". It was first used in this context in the early 19th century.

Definition

In scientific terms, diffusion is the net movement of anything (for example, atoms, ions, molecules) from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Diffusion is driven by a gradient in concentration. The gradient is the change in the value of a quantity (e.g., concentration, pressure, temperature) with the change in another variable (usually distance).

Process

Diffusion occurs when particles spread out into an available space. This movement continues until the concentration of particles is uniform throughout the system. The particles move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, a process that is described as moving down a concentration gradient.

Types of Diffusion

There are several types of diffusion, including:

  • Simple Diffusion: This is the process by which solutes are moved along a concentration gradient in a solution or across a semipermeable membrane.
  • Facilitated Diffusion: This is the process of spontaneous passive transport of molecules or ions across a biological membrane via specific transmembrane integral proteins.
  • Active Transport: This is the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.

Related Terms

  • Osmosis: This is the process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one.
  • Permeability: This is the quality or state of being permeable—able to be passed or soaked through, especially by liquids or gases.
  • Concentration Gradient: This is a gradual change in the concentration of solutes in a solution as a function of distance through a solution.

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