diffusion
Definition
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached. It is a passive process that requires no energy input.
Analogy
Imagine a crowded room where one side is packed with people (high concentration) and the other side has fewer people (low concentration). Over time, individuals will naturally spread out across the room to avoid crowding, much like molecules spreading out in diffusion.
Related terms
Osmosis: The diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Concentration Gradient: The difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas, which drives diffusion.
Equilibrium: A state where the concentrations of substances are equal throughout a space, indicating that diffusion has balanced out differences
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