Diffusion in solids, liquids and gases

• Diffusion:
• Diffusion in Gases
• Diffusion in liquids
• Diffusion in solids

Diffusion:

• The spreading out and mixing of a substance with another substance due to the motion of its particles is called diffusion.
• The diffusion of one substance into another substance goes on until a uniform mixture is formed. For example: diffusion of bromine vapors in air. 
• Diffusion is the property of matter which is based on the motion of its particles. Diffusion occurs in gases, liquids and solids.
• Diffusion is fastest in gases and slowest in solids.
• The rate of diffusion increases on increasing the temperature of the diffusing substance.

Diffusion in Gases:

• Diffusion in gases is very fast. This is because the particles in gases move very quickly in all directions.
• The rate of diffusion of a gas, however, depends on its density. Light gases diffuse faster than heavy gases.
• Example: When we light an incense stick (agarbatti) in a corner of our room, its fragrance spreads in the whole room very quickly due to the diffusion of its smoke into the air.

Diffusion in liquids:

• Diffusion in liquids is slower than that in gases. This is because the particles in liquids move slowly as compared to the particles in gases.
• Example: The spreading of purple colour of potassium permanganate into water, on its own, is due to the diffusion of potassium permanganate particles into water.
• Note: The gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen are essential for the survival of aquatic plants and animals. The carbon dioxide and oxygen gas present in air diffuse into water, and dissolve in it. The aquatic plants use the dissolved carbon dioxide for preparing food by photosynthesis and aquatic animals use the dissolved oxygen of water for breathing. This is an example of diffusion of gases into a liquid.

Diffusion in solids:

• Diffusion can also takes place in solids. Diffusion in of solids in solids is very, very slow process. This is slow process as in solids, particles vibrate only and do not move away from their mean position
• Example: If we write something on a blackboard and leave it uncleaned for a considerable period of time, we will find that it becomes quite difficult to clean the blackboard afterwards. This is due to the fact that some of the particles of chalk have diffused into the surface of blackboard.
• Another example will be, you take similar metal plate and place it on one another. And leave it for years, you will notice they will get attached. But this is very slow and it takes many year to do it
• The disolving of salt or sugar in water is called the Diffusion of solids in liquids

• Notes
  • Introduction
  • Physical nature of matter
  • Evidence of particles in matter
  • Characteristics of particles of Matter
  • States of matter
  • Diffusion
  • Change of State of Matter
  • Latent Heat
  • evaporation
• NCERT Solutions
  • Matter in our surroundings NCERT Solution
  • Matter in our surroundings Worksheet
  • Matter in our surroundings Important Questions
  • Matter in our surroundings MCQ
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  • Matter in our surroundings Test Paper
  • Matter in our surroundings Extra Questions