Final answer:
Factors like molecular size, temperature, solution density, and distance traveled affect the rate of diffusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Several factors affect the rate of diffusion:
- Molecular size: Smaller molecules diffuse more quickly than larger molecules because they can move through the spaces between other molecules more easily.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of particles, causing them to move more rapidly and diffuse more quickly.
- Solution density: Higher solution density slows down diffusion because there are more particles in a given volume, making it more difficult for other particles to move through.
- Distance traveled: The rate of diffusion decreases as the distance that particles need to travel increases. This is because particles have to encounter more obstacles along the way.