How does temperature affect diffusion rate?

How does temperature affect diffusion rate?

• A. Higher temperatures increase diffusion rate
• B. Lower temperatures increase diffusion rate
• C. Temperature has no effect on diffusion
• D. Diffusion occurs only at fixed temperature

Answer: (A)

Temperature affects how fast diffusion happens. Diffusion relies on the random motion of particles, and when temperature rises, particles gain kinetic energy and move faster. That extra motion means they spread from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration more quickly, increasing the diffusion rate. In gases this effect is especially strong, and in liquids it also speeds up diffusion because the molecules collide more energetically and, as temperature goes up, the fluid’s viscosity typically decreases. Lowering the temperature slows particle motion and thus slows diffusion. Diffusion occurs across a range of temperatures, not at a single fixed temperature, so the statement that higher temperatures increase diffusion rate is the best description.

Temperature affects how fast diffusion happens. Diffusion relies on the random motion of particles, and when temperature rises, particles gain kinetic energy and move faster. That extra motion means they spread from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration more quickly, increasing the diffusion rate. In gases this effect is especially strong, and in liquids it also speeds up diffusion because the molecules collide more energetically and, as temperature goes up, the fluid’s viscosity typically decreases. Lowering the temperature slows particle motion and thus slows diffusion. Diffusion occurs across a range of temperatures, not at a single fixed temperature, so the statement that higher temperatures increase diffusion rate is the best description.