Final Answer:
The concentration gradient is diffusing from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This process occurs due to the natural tendency of particles to spread out and achieve a state of equilibrium. The concentration gradient represents the difference in concentration between two areas, and the direction of diffusion is always from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration.
To elaborate, particles in a region of high concentration collide with one another and move randomly. As they move, some particles naturally disperse into areas with lower concentrations. This movement continues until there is an equal distribution of particles throughout the system, reaching a state of dynamic equilibrium.
The driving force behind diffusion is the kinetic energy of particles, which leads them to move from regions of higher energy (higher concentration) to regions of lower energy (lower concentration). This process is crucial for various biological and physical phenomena, such as the exchange of gases in respiratory systems, the movement of nutrients within cells, and the dissolution of substances in fluids.
In summary, the concentration gradient dictates the direction of diffusion, with particles moving down the gradient from higher to lower concentration until equilibrium is achieved.