KINETIC PARTICLE THEORY

DIFFUSION
DIFFUSION
Diffusion is the process by which particles spread out from
an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration. diffusion is the result of the random motion
and collisions of particles in gases, liquids, or solids. The
kinetic particle theory provides a framework for
understanding the movement and behavior of particles,
allowing us to explain and interpret diffusion as the
process by which particles spread out and mix from areas
of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.
IN GASES
In a gas, particles are in constant random motion and
possess high kinetic energy. They collide with each other
and the walls of their container. Due to their random
motion, gas particles are free to move in any direction and
at different speeds. individual gas particles move randomly
and collide with each other. If there is a region with a
higher concentration of gas particles, they will collide and
bounce off each other, leading to their dispersal in all
directions. Over time, the particles will spread out and
become more evenly distributed throughout the available
space, resulting in diffusion.
IN LIQUIDS
Liquids: In a liquid, particles are also in constant motion but
are more closely packed compared to gases. They have weaker
intermolecular forces compared to solids, allowing them to
move past each other more freely. the particles also move
randomly, but their motion is more restrained compared to
gases due to stronger intermolecular forces. Nonetheless,
liquid particles can still move past each other. When there is a
concentration gradient, liquid particles at the higher
concentration region will move randomly and collide with
other particles. These collisions cause the particles to disperse
and spread out, eventually leading to diffusion.
IN SOLIDS
In a solid, particles are tightly packed and have limited
motion. They vibrate in fixed positions due to the
strong intermolecular forces holding them together. In
solids, the particles have limited motion. However, in
some cases, diffusion can occur in solids, especially in
materials with relatively weak intermolecular forces or
at higher temperatures. In such cases, individual
particles may gain enough kinetic energy to overcome
the intermolecular forces and move from regions of
higher concentration to regions of lower concentration.