Diffusion
I can explain how particles spread through a fluid.
Diffusion
I can explain how particles spread through a fluid.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Brownian motion is the random motion of particles suspended in a medium.
- Particles of a substance released into a fluid (a gas or liquid) move around and are pushed by other particles.
- Substances that have particles that are free to move will eventually reach a random distribution throughout.
- At higher temperatures, particles in a gas or solution move more quickly.
Keywords
Diffusion - The movement of particles from an area where there are lots, until there is a random distribution of particles throughout a medium.
Random - Happens without a clear pattern, making it unpredictable.
Brownian motion - The random movement of particles in a fluid, due to colliding with particles in the surrounding medium.
Medium - A medium is usually a liquid or gas that other substances can mix into or move through, enabling other substances to mix or interact.
Fluid - A fluid is a substance that flows or takes the shape of its container. Liquids and gases can be described as fluids.
Common misconception
Pupil confuse diffusion and Brownian motion.
Brownian motion is the random movement of particles due to collisions. Diffusion is due to concentration differences between 2 substances.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
are randomly moving and take the shape of the container
are randomly moving and have no fixed shape
are vibrating and have a fixed shape
two or more substances that can be physically separated
formed when a substance dissolves in a liquid
a substance which flows and can be a gas or a liquid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
