English National Curriculum Science

3. Explain diffusion in terms of the particle model

Mission Objectives

Explain the underlying principle of diffusion

Create a model to visualise diffusion

Explain how diffusion can be accelerated by temperature

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KS3-06-03 Handout KS3-06-03 Handout PDF

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

random movement

also known as random motion, this is the spontaneous and unpredictable movement of particles or objects that results from their thermal energy

diffusion

the process by which particles or substances spread from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration; it occurs as a result of random thermal motion of particles, and it is driven by the difference in concentration between two regions

concentration

the amount of a substance present in a given volume or weight of a mixture or solution

concentration gradient

the difference in concentration between a region of a solution or gas that has a high concentration of particles and a region that has a relatively lower concentration of particles

collision

when two molecules bump into each other

This lesson has been written by

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!

Dr Peter Klappa

Peter Klappa studied Biology (BSc Hons and MSc) at the Ludwigs-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, where he also obtained his PhD in molecular and cellular biology. He is a National Teaching Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As a trained Biology and Chemistry teacher, Peter has taught sciences for over 30 years, both at pre- and post-entry to university. For his excellence in teaching, Peter has received numerous awards and prizes and was nominated for the Teacher of the Year award by the Higher Education Academy in 2015 and 2019.

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Resources: Glass jars or beakers, food colouring, water, droppers and timers.

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