Proof of Particle Theory of Matter - Diffusion

In SPM, you need to know

1. diffusion is one of the proof of the particle theory of matter.
2. the definition of diffusion.
3. diffusion in solid, liquid and gas
4. factors that affect the rate of diffusion and the related experiments.

What is Diffusion?
1. Diffusion is a process of spreading of a substance from a region of high
concentration to a region of low concentration.
2. It occurs when the particles of the substance move through the space
between the particles of another substance.
3. Figure below shows how the bromine particles diffuse into the air.

4. Diffusion occurs in solid, liquid and gas.

5. The rate of diffusion is highest in gas and lowest in solid.
6. Diffusion is the proof of the particle theory of matter.
MUST KNOW!

The rate of diffusion is highest in gas and lowest in solid.

Diffusion is the proof of the particle theory of matter.

Diffusion in Solid

Diffusion in Solid
Observation
The blue colour of copper(II) sulphate fills up the entire test tube after a few days

Copper(II) sulphate crystals are made of copper(II) ions and sulphate ions
which are tiny and discrete.

The particles in the copper(II) sulphate crystal will separate to become ions
and diffuse randomly upwards until the whole agar turns blue.

Diffusion in Liquid

(Diffusion in Liquid)
Observation
The purple colour of potassium manganate(VII) fills up the entire test tube after a
few hours

Diffusion has taken place in the liquid.

The rate of diffusion of the particles in water is faster than the diffusion rate
of particles in solid.

The occurrence of diffusion proves that potassium permanganate(VII) consist

of tiny and discrete particles.

Diffusion in Gas

(Diffusion in Gas)

Observation
The brown colour bromine vapour spreads evenly throughout the gas jar in a few
minutes

Bromine vapour is made of tiny and discrete molecules that move randomly
to fill up space.

Bromine vapour moves randomly and diffuses in all directions in air from
areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.

Conclusion
The rate of diffusion is highest in gas and lowest in solid.