Chapter 3, Problem 1ILQ

Visit this link (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/diffusion) to see diffusion and how it is propelled by the kinetic energy of molecules in solution. How does temperature affect diffusion rate, and why?

Summary Introduction

To write:

The way temperature affects the rate of diffusion.

Introduction:

The rate of diffusion varies linearly with temperature attributed to the kinetic energy associated with the molecules in motion. Diffusion is the movement of the molecules from higher concentration region to lower concentration region.

Explanation of Solution

Diffusion is defined as the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration till equilibrium is reached. By equilibrium,it is meant that the whole system has attained a uniform concentration of the diffusing molecules.

Any movement is associated with kinetic energy. Kinetic energy changes drivemotion. As temperature increases, the randomness in molecules increases imparting them more kinetic energy by virtue of motion. This makes the diffusing molecules move faster in solutions with higher temperature compared to solutions with lower temperatures. Thus, an increase in temperature of the solvent tends to increase the rate of diffusion.

Conclusion

Thus, temperature is an important driving factor in the rate of diffusion. The increase in temperature increases the rate of diffusion due to the increase in kinetic energy of diffusing molecules.