Final answer:
Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport where molecules move down their concentration gradient through protein channels in the membrane. This process does not require energy. For ions that cannot pass through the nonpolar lipid bilayer of the membrane, facilitated diffusion through specific protein channels is a common way for them to exit the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Passive transport is a way that small molecules or ions move across the cell membrane without input of energy by the cell. The three main kinds of passive transport are diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport where molecules move down their concentration gradient through protein channels in the membrane. This process does not require energy. For ions that cannot pass through the nonpolar lipid bilayer of the membrane, facilitated diffusion through specific protein channels is a common way for them to exit the cell.