About Lesson
Factors that affect the rate off diffusion
- Concentration gradient– the greater the concentration gradient the faster the rate of diffusion.
- Temperature – an increase in temperature leads to an increase in the kinetic energy of the molecules. Hence a faster rate of diffusion.
- Size and weight of the molecules– smaller and lighter molecules diffuse faster than larger and heavier molecules.
- Distance of diffusion– the shorter the distance of diffusion the faster the rate and the greater the greater the distance the slower the rate of diffusion.
- Surface area to volume ratio – the higher the surface area to volume ratio the faster the rate of diffusion. Smaller organisms have higher surface area to volume ratio. Therefore, they experience high diffusion rates since they have large exposed surface for diffusion.
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