Question

Which explanation identifies how the following affect the rate of diffusion: molecular size, temperature, solution density, and the distance that must be traveled?

a) The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to molecular size and directly proportional to temperature, solution density, and distance.
b) Molecular size has no effect on diffusion, while the other factors are significant.
c) All factors mentioned have a direct impact on the rate of diffusion.
d) Temperature is the only factor affecting the rate of diffusion.

Answer 1

The rate of diffusion is affected by molecular size, temperature, solution density, and the distance molecules must travel, with larger molecules, higher density, and greater distances slowing down diffusion, while higher temperatures speed it up.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate of diffusion is affected by multiple factors such as molecular size, temperature, solution density, and the distance that must be traveled. Larger molecules move slower and therefore have a lower diffusion rate compared to smaller molecules. Higher temperatures increase the energy of the molecules, leading to an increase in the diffusion rate, while lower temperatures decrease the diffusion rate. The density of a solution is inversely proportional to the rate of diffusion; denser solutions slow down molecular movement. Lastly, the greater the distance that molecules must travel, the slower the diffusion process, as it takes more time for molecules to move from one location to another.