95.8k views
0 votes
What is the name of the net movement of small, uncharged molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration?

a) Active transport
b) Diffusion
c) Osmosis
d) Turgor pressure

User Bronson
by
7.9k points

2 Answers

4 votes

Final Answer:

b) Diffusion is the net movement of small, uncharged molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Step-by-step explanation:

b) Diffusion is the net movement of small, uncharged molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This process occurs due to the random motion of particles. The rate of diffusion is influenced by factors such as the concentration gradient, temperature, and the size of the molecules involved.

In simple terms, molecules tend to move from regions where they are more concentrated to regions where they are less concentrated until equilibrium is reached. The formula for diffusion can be expressed as:


\[ \text{Rate of Diffusion} \propto \frac{{\text{Surface Area} * \text{Concentration Difference}}}{{\text{Distance}}}\]

This equation highlights that a larger surface area, a greater concentration difference, and a shorter distance will result in a higher rate of diffusion.

In biological systems, diffusion is crucial for various processes such as the exchange of gases in the respiratory system and the movement of nutrients and waste products within cells.

User The Bomb Squad
by
7.3k points
5 votes

Final answer:

The movement of small, uncharged molecules from a higher to a lower concentration is known as diffusion, a process that leads to equilibrium without requiring energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The name of the net movement of small, uncharged molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is called diffusion. This is a natural process where these molecules spread out randomly from where they are more concentrated to where they are less concentrated, moving down their concentration gradient until there is an equal concentration, or equilibrium, on either side of the membrane. Diffusion does not require energy and is different from active transport, which does require energy and moves molecules against the concentration gradient.

User Peter Qiu
by
7.7k points