Tabitha Darrell Form 5C

Date: 27/11/2020

Lab# 3

Title: Diffusion

Aim: To observe diffusion in water using potassium permanganate

Apparatus:

Ruler

Petri-dish

Pair of Compasses

Materials:

Distilled water

White sheet of paper

Potassium permanganate
Diagram:

Procedure:

1. A circle was drawn unto the white sheet of paper and the center of the circle located.
2. A ruler and a pencil was used to graduate from the center to the end of the petri-dish in
four directions.
3. The petri-dish was placed over the graduated circle and half-filled with distilled water.
4. A large crystal of potassium permanganate was placed into the center of the dish.
5. The time taken for the colour to reach each graduated marking was recorded.

Results

Time Circle 1(secs) Circle 2(secs) Circle 3(secs) Circle 4(secs)

From following 150.75 105.19 219.20 72.77
circle
From Centre 150.75 255.95 475.15 547.93

GRAPH SHOWING THE RATE OF DIFFUSION

 Diffusion Rate
4.5

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600

Discussion:

Diffusion is the movement of particles along its concentration gradient, from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration to achieve equilibrium. This process is usually
carried out in liquids and gases, the 2 states of matter where the particles are in constant motion.

When the crystals of Potassium Permanganate was placed in water, it started to dissolve,
immediately turning to a purple colour. It formed a purple solution/cloud in the center of the
petri-dish. This cloud slowly expanded, until it graduated to the 4 circles drawn until it
equilibrium was established (until the solution was evenly distributed.) Also, it was observed that
there was a dark purple spot when the crystals were added, however by the time the dense cloud
solution touched the circumference of the last circle, a uniform purple colour was present. This is
further illustrates the process of diffusion.

Source of errors
 1. Placing the potassium permanganate directly in the center of the petri dish was difficult
as it was in powder form.
2. Human reaction time in hitting the start/stop/lap may not be accurate.

Limitations

1. Unlevelled/ uneven surface

2. Fluctuation of temperature in the lab.

Precautions

1. The amount of water placed in the petri dish may affect the rate of diffusion so it should
not be too much or too little.
2. The amount of potassium permanganate should be sufficient.

Reflections

Diffusion is important to cells because it allows them to gain the useful substances they require
to obtain energy and grow, and lets them get rid of waste products. Without it living organisms
would not be able to function properly and carry out basic bodily functions.

Conclusion

When the crystals were placed in the water, they moved from an area of high concentration to an
area of lower concentration, hence carrying out the process diffusion

References:
Atwaroo-Ali, L 2014, Biology for CSEC Examinations, 3rd edition, Macmillan Education,
London

Diffusion lab report. (2011, May 22). Share and Discover Knowledge on
SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/LeroyWalker/diffusion-lab-report

Diffusion and osmosis | Biology I laboratory manual. (n.d.). Lumen Learning – Simple Book

Production. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-biolabs1/chapter/diffusion-and-osmosis/