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What is diffusion?

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Quick answer

Diffusion is the natural spreading of particles from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, until they're evenly mixed. It's why a drop of dye colors a whole glass of water and how oxygen moves into your blood.

Key things to understand

  1. Particles move from high to low concentration.
  2. It continues until they're evenly spread.
  3. It's driven by random particle motion.
  4. It's vital in biology, like gas exchange in lungs.

People also ask

What is diffusion?
The spreading of particles from high to low concentration until they are evenly distributed.
What's an example of diffusion?
A drop of food coloring spreading through water, or a scent filling a room.
What's the difference between diffusion and osmosis?
Diffusion is the spread of any particles; osmosis is specifically the diffusion of water across a membrane.

Part of the guide: Everyday Science: Light, Heat & Matter →