What is diffusion?

Diffusion is defined as the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This process occurs because particles are in constant motion and tend to spread out evenly in a given space, seeking to equilibrate concentrations. It is driven by the concentration gradient, which is the difference in concentration between two areas. As particles move from regions where they are more crowded to areas where they are less crowded, this balances their distribution over time.

The concept of diffusion is pivotal in various biological and physiological processes, including gas exchange in the lungs and the movement of nutrients and waste products across cell membranes. Understanding diffusion is essential in fields like biology, chemistry, and medicine, as it helps explain how substances move within living organisms and in different environments.