If temperature is increased,
A. The rate of diffusion increases
B. Change in rate of diffusion is unaffected
C. Change in rate of diffusion is unpredictable
D. Diffusion halts
E. The rate of diffusion increases
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. The rate of diffusion increases.
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This movement occurs due to the random motion of molecules, which is influenced by factors such as temperature, concentration gradient, and the medium through which the molecules are diffusing.
When the temperature of the system is increased, the kinetic energy of the molecules also increases. As a result, molecules move faster because their individual speeds increase. This accelerated motion allows the molecules to collide more frequently and with greater energy, leading to faster diffusion. The higher the temperature, the greater the number of molecules that have enough energy to move through the medium, thereby speeding up the diffusion process.
In gases, this effect is particularly pronounced because the molecules are far apart, and their motion is not hindered by intermolecular forces. In liquids and solids, while temperature still has an impact, the rate of diffusion may be slower than in gases due to the higher density and more restricted movement of particles.
The relationship between temperature and diffusion is typically linear to a point. As temperature increases, so does the rate of diffusion, but if the temperature becomes too high, other factors like denaturation of proteins or the breakdown of the medium might slow down or halt diffusion. However, in most practical scenarios, diffusion continues to increase with higher temperature, assuming no other factors interfere.
Overall, increasing temperature generally enhances the rate of diffusion, making option A the correct answer.