Final answer:
Higher temperature increases molecule energy and movement, speeding up diffusion. Conversely, lower temperatures, heavier molecular mass, and higher solvent density slow down the diffusion process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Higher temperatures lead to faster diffusion because they provide more energy to the molecules, increasing their movement. The increased kinetic energy results in more frequent and more forceful collisions among the molecules, leading to a higher rate of diffusion. Conversely, lower temperatures decrease the energy and movement of molecules, thereby slowing down the diffusion process.
Other factors that affect diffusion include the mass of the molecules and the density of the solvent. Heavier molecules move more slowly and diffuse more slowly, while lighter molecules can move and diffuse more rapidly. As for the solvent density, a denser medium impedes molecule movement, resulting in slower diffusion rates.
It's crucial to understand that the extent of the concentration gradient also plays a significant role in diffusion. A steeper gradient means faster diffusion, which slows down as the system approaches equilibrium.