Roge Marilie A.

Alfaro Grade 9 – STEM A Research W1-2

INTRODUCTION

Ever accidentally put a darker liquid into clear water and notice the hue shifted between

both hues? If that's the case, the reason behind why the darker liquid changed the hue of the clear

water, is called diffusion.

Diffusion occurs when particles spread. They migrate from a high concentration area to a

low concentration area. When particles are free to travel, diffusion occurs. Diffusion occurs in

gases and particles dissolved in liquids, but it does not happen in solids. Particles diffuse down a

concentration gradient, moving from a high-concentration area to a low-concentration area.

Diffusion is referred to be passive because it does not require any energy input to proceed. The

seemingly random movement of particles within a liquid or gas is caused by Brownian motion.

So, what is Brownian motion and how does it work? Even though you can't see it, all

atoms are vibrating (and the hotter they are, the faster and harder they do so). Brownian motion

is named after Scottish botanist Robert Brown, who discovered that when pollen grains are

placed in water, they travel in random directions. Because vibrating atoms in a fluid (a liquid or

gas) are in immediate contact to one another, they bump against one other. When a particle

collides with another particle, it modifies its path. More collisions cause the particle to move in a

zigzag pattern. It entails a momentum/energy transfer or exchange between the particles.

Randomness and chaos are described by Brownian motion. It's one of the most basic randomness

models.

In this experiment, the researcher will determine which brand of liquid food dye will diffuse the

fastest in distilled water. Using liquid food dye as the solute, or material to be diffused in the

solvent, which is the distilled water. Watch and observe as each of the independent variable

(Brand X and Brand Y), diffuses in distilled water. Then, determine which brand of liquid food

dye will diffuse the fastest in distilled water.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine which brand of liquid food dye will diffuse the

fastest in distilled water.

Statement of the Problem

Specifically, this study aims to answer the questions.

1. Is there a difference in the diffusion rate of Brand X and Brand Y liquid food dye in

distilled water?

2. How long does Brand X and Brand Y liquid food dye take to diffuse in distilled water?

The following are the null hypotheses formulated by the researcher:

Hₒ₁: There is no difference in the diffusion rate of Brand X and Brand Y liquid food dye

in distilled water.

Hₒ₂: There is a difference in the time it takes for Brand X and Brand Y liquid food dye to

diffuse in distilled water.

The following are the alternative hypotheses formulated by the researcher:

Hₐ₁: There is a difference in the diffusion rate of Brand X and Brand Y liquid food dye in

distilled water.

Hₐ₂: There is no difference in the time it takes for Brand X and Brand Y liquid food dye

to diffuse in distilled water.

Significance of the Study

This study will determine whether Brand X or Brand Y liquid food dye will diffuse the

fastest in distilled water.

Scope and Limitations

This study was limited to using liquid food dye in determining which brand - Brand X

and Brand Y will diffuse the fastest in distilled water. Additionally, this study was limited to

using only the following treatments: Treatment 1 (Brand X), and Treatment 2 (Brand Y). It is

also limited in using 250mL of distilled water (room temperature) as control.

Bibliography

(n.a, n.d) "Rate of Diffusion" https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/determine-rate-

diffusion-material-affected/
(n.a, n.d) “Brownian Motion” https://byjus.com/chemistry/brownian-motion-zig-zag-motion/

(n.a, n.d) “Movement across cell membranes: Diffusion”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zc9tyrd/revision/2