QuestionWhat causes diffusion: atomic charge attraction, random motion, solubility, or added heat?
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. We are looking for the primary cause of diffusion. . The options provided are attraction of opposite atomic charges, random internal motion of atoms and molecules, some substances can dissolve in solvents, heat added to a substance.
STEP 2
Define diffusion.Diffusion is the process by which particles spread out from each other, or move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
STEP 3
Evaluate each option in relation to the definition of diffusion.
1. Attraction of opposite atomic charges This is more related toionic bonding than diffusion. It does not explain the movement of particles from high concentration to low concentration.
2. Random internal motion of atoms and molecules This option is related to the kinetic energy of particles, which causes them to move randomly. This could potentially explain why particles move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
3. Some substances can dissolve in solvents While this is true, it is not the primary cause of diffusion. It is more related to the solubility of substances.
. Heat added to a substance While adding heat to a substance can increase the rate of diffusion by increasing the kinetic energy of the particles, it is not the primary cause of diffusion.
STEP 4
Based on the evaluation of each option, the primary cause of diffusion is the random internal motion of atoms and molecules. This is because the kinetic energy of the particles causes them to move randomly, which leads to the spread of particles from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
The primary cause of diffusion is the random internal motion of atoms and molecules.
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