Question

A client is experiencing a sudden fluid shift as a result of diffusion. What variable most affects the rate of substance movement by diffusion?

Answer 1

Answer:

Concentration, Temperature, Mass of Particle, Solvent /medium, surface area and permeability properties of membrane.

Explanation:

The random movement of particles causes the phenomenon called diffusion. The concentration gradients of particles pushes molecules in a direction such that molecules move from a region of high concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Diffusion is a passive process (not requiring the input of energy).

The following variables are factors that affects diffusion;

Concentration - down concentration gradient favours diffusion.

Temperature - temperature increases diffusion , the kinetic energy associated with each particle also increases. 

Mass/size of Particle - Smaller particles on the other hand will diffuse faster because they can move faster.

Solvent /medium Properties - Viscosity and density of the medium greatly affect diffusion. Highly viscous and dense medium slows down diffusion.

Diffusion can occur through a membrane. The two factors that are particular to diffusion through a membrane are surface area and permeability.