Final answer:
The rate of diffusion through a membrane is primarily affected by the steepness of the concentration gradient, the temperature of the solution, the permeability of the membrane, and the surface area of the membrane.B) The temperature of the solution
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of diffusion through a membrane is influenced by several factors. One key factor is the steepness of the concentration gradient, which refers to the difference in the concentration of solutes on each side of the membrane. A greater difference in concentration results in more rapid diffusion. As diffusion progresses, the rate slows as the system approaches dynamic equilibrium, where there is no net movement due to an equal concentration of solutes across the membrane.
Other factors affecting the rate of diffusion include the temperature of the solution and the physical properties of the solutes and the membrane, such as size and permeability. For instance, increased temperature generally increases the diffusion rate by providing more kinetic energy to the molecules involved. Also, smaller solute particles and a membrane with higher permeability facilitate a faster rate of diffusion.
The surface area of the membrane also plays a crucial role; a larger surface area offers more space for molecules to pass through, thereby increasing the rate of diffusion. Lastly, while the shape of the solute is not directly mentioned in the provided information as a key factor, it could potentially affect the solute's ability to pass through the membrane and thus indirectly influence the diffusion rate.