when does the net flux of dissolved molecules stop
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
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Correct Answer:
The net flux of dissolved molecules stops when dynamic equilibrium is reached.
Explanation
In the context of diffusion, net flux refers to the overall movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This process is driven by the concentration gradient and continues as long as there is an imbalance in molecular distribution.
However, this movement doesn’t go on indefinitely. Eventually, the concentration of dissolved molecules becomes uniform throughout the solution. When this happens, the system reaches a state called dynamic equilibrium.
At dynamic equilibrium, molecules continue to move randomly in all directions due to their kinetic energy, but the rate of movement into any region is equal to the rate of movement out. As a result, there is no net change in concentration, and hence, no net flux of molecules. This doesn’t mean molecular motion stops—it only means that the forward and reverse movements are balanced.
A common real-life example of this is the diffusion of a drop of dye in water. Initially, dye molecules spread out rapidly from the point of high concentration. Over time, the color becomes uniform across the container. At this point, the system has reached equilibrium, and the net flux of dye molecules stops, even though individual molecules continue to move.
In biological systems, such as in cell membranes, diffusion continues until equilibrium is achieved across the membrane (unless active transport or other forces act on the system). This principle is crucial in processes like gas exchange in lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across membranes based on concentration gradients.
In summary, the net flux of dissolved molecules stops when dynamic equilibrium is reached, as the system then has an equal distribution of molecules with balanced movement in all directions.
