IGCSE Chemistry Revision Notes Diffusion

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Syllabus Objectives

Topic: States of matter

Sub Topic: 1.1 Solids, liquids and gases  /Diffusion

Syllabus Objectives:

Core :

  1. Describe and explain diffusion in terms of kinetic particle theory

Supplement: [ Extended}

  1. Describe and explain the effect of relative molecular mass on the rate of diffusion of gasess

Revision Notes

IGCSE Chemistry Revision Notes  Diffusion

Free download IGCSE Chemistry Diffusion Notes 2024 to 2028 Exams

1.2-IGCSE-Chemistry-Notes-States-of-Matter-Diffusion.pdf

DIFFUSION 

Definition: 
Diffusion is the random movement of particles from a region of their high concentration to a region of their low concentration down the concentration gradient. 

Speed of diffusion depends upon the Mr( relative molecular mass): This means that the speed of diffusion of a gas depends on how heavy it's molecules are. Molecules with a lighter mass diffuse faster than those with a heavier mass. 

FOR EXTENDED ONLY

DIFFUSION-IGCSE-CHEMISTRY-NOTES

OBSERVATIONS
• The white ring is formed at C. This  is  because ethylamine less dense( or has  is a  
lower Mr) than HBr. Hence ethylamine diffuses faster than HBr. 
Why do the gases diffuse?-Explanation based on kinetic theory: 
Gases diffuse because their particles  move in random motion. These particles then collide .This diffusion is from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. 
Diffusion happens faster in warmer temperatures than in cooler temperatures. 

 

APPLICATION BASED INFORMATION CREATED FROM PAST PAPER QUESTIONS:

  • When a liquid spills on a floor and can be smelt far away it means that it has first evaporated then diffused. 
  • When a precipitate is formed during chemical reactions, the particles, diffuse, collide and then react 
  • Particles spread out evenly as a result of diffusion 
  •  Sugar dissolves then diffuses. You cannot say sugar melts and then diffuses. 
  • Generally diffusion happens in liquids and gases as  the particles are free to move. Their particles are constantly moving colliding and changing directions. 
  • Diffusion in gases is faster than diffusion in liquids because the gas particles move rapidly. They are able to move freely because kinetic theory assumes that there are no forces of attraction between the gas particles while there are weak forces of attraction between liquid particles. 
  • Diffusion does not happen in solids because the particles are tightly packed and they can only vibrate in their mean positions and not move about. 
  • Diffusion can occur in liquids which are miscible 
  • Diffusion is also possible in solids  that dissolve in liquids. 
  • At the same temperature, the molecules that have the lower mass diffuse faster than the heavier molecules. If the lighter and heavier molecules have the same amount of energy when they collide, then, the lighter ones will bounce off the heavier ones at a faster rate. So, lighter molecules diffuse faster than the heavier molecules. 

igcse-chemistry-resources

 

Free Summary Notes of Difussion IGCSE Chemistry

 

Definition of Diffusion

  • Diffusion: The random movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration down the concentration gradient.

Factors Affecting the Speed of Diffusion

  • Relative Molecular Mass (Mr):
    • Lighter molecules diffuse faster than heavier molecules.

Observations and Examples

  • Diffusion in Gases:
    • Gases diffuse because their particles move in random motion and collide.
    • Diffusion happens faster in warmer temperatures than in cooler temperatures.
    • Example: Ethylamine diffuses faster than HBr because it has a lower relative molecular mass.
  • Diffusion in Liquids:
    • Particles in liquids are free to move and collide, leading to diffusion.
    • Example: When a liquid spills and can be smelt far away, it has evaporated and then diffused.

Explanation Based on Kinetic Theory

  • Gases:
    • Particles move rapidly and freely due to negligible forces of attraction, leading to faster diffusion.
  • Liquids:
    • Particles are constantly moving, colliding, and changing directions.
    • Diffusion in liquids is slower than in gases due to weak forces of attraction between particles.

Diffusion Process

  • In Gases:
    • Faster than in liquids because gas particles move rapidly and are not attracted to each other.
  • In Liquids:
    • Slower due to weak forces of attraction between particles.
  • In Solids:
    • Diffusion does not occur because particles are tightly packed and only vibrate in fixed positions.

Miscellaneous Points

  • Diffusion can occur in miscible liquids.
  • Diffusion is possible for solids that dissolve in liquids.
  • At the same temperature, lighter molecules diffuse faster than heavier molecules.
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