Question

Which of the following apply to diffusion. Select all that apply. Solids can diffuse in liquids. Liquids can diffuse in liquids. It is the process of intermingling atoms from one substance into another. Gas molecules are very close together and diffuse slowly. A solid cannot diffuse in to another solid.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Diffusion is defined as the ability of a substance to spread readily. So, when molecules of a matter have high kinetic energy then they tend to spread readily because of more number of collisions.

In solids, molecules have strong intermolecular forces of attraction so they do not have spaces in between them. Hence, solids are not able to diffuse in solids.

Solids are able to diffuse into liquids as liquids have spaces in between their particles.

For example, NaCl is soluble in water.

Thus, we can conclude that the following apply to diffusion.

• Solids can diffuse in liquids.

• Liquids can diffuse in liquids.

• It is the process of intermingling atoms from one substance into another.

• A solid cannot diffuse in to another solid.

Answer 2

Correct answers are:

• Solids can diffuse in liquids. Think of a sugar cube sitting at the bottom of a cup of tea.
• Liquids can diffuse in liquids. Think of a drop of food colouring in water
• It is the process of intermingling atoms from one substance into another.

The other answers are incorrect because:

• Gas molecules are far apart and diffuse rapidly.  
• A solid can diffuse into another solid. Pure lead can diffuse into gold, and pure gold can diffuse into lead.