AQA GCSE Factors affecting the rate of diffusion (Biology)
Factors affecting the rate of diffusion.
Factors which affect the rate of diffusion are:
1.The difference in concentrations (concentration gradient)
2.Temperature
3.The surface area of the membrane.
Difference in concentration (Concentration gradient)
The larger the difference in concentration, the steeper the concentration gradient and the faster the diffusion.
Temperature
As temperature increases the particles gain more kinetic energy, so they move faster. As a result rate of diffusion increases.
Surface area of membrane
The larger the surface area the faster the rate of diffusion.
The diagram below shows a cell from the intestine, the folds provide a larger surface area to increase the rate of diffusion.
Practice Question
1.Name 3 factors that affect the rate of diffusion
2. A perfume is sprayed into the corner of a room. A person at the other end of the room detects the smell faster in June, than they do in December. Explain why.
3. Below is an image of a root hair cell.
Explain the advantage of the root hair.