What is Diffusion?
Diffusion is a fundamental process that describes the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This spontaneous process is driven by the kinetic energy of molecules and is essential in various natural and biological systems.

Key Characteristics of Diffusion:
- Concentration Gradient: The difference in concentration between two regions drives diffusion. Molecules will continue to move until equilibrium is reached.
- Passive Process: Diffusion does not require external energy. It occurs naturally due to the random motion of particles.
- Temperature Dependence: Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to faster diffusion rates.

Types of Diffusion:
- Simple Diffusion: This occurs when small or non-polar molecules (like oxygen and carbon dioxide) pass through a selectively permeable membrane.
- Facilitated Diffusion: Larger or polar molecules (like glucose) require specific transport proteins to help them cross membranes.

Applications of Diffusion:
- Biological Systems: Diffusion is crucial in processes like gas exchange in lungs and nutrient absorption in cells.
- Chemical Reactions: In chemical engineering and reactions, diffusion plays a vital role in mixing reactants and products.

Conclusion:
Understanding diffusion is essential in fields such as biology, chemistry, and environmental science. It helps explain how substances move within organisms and ecosystems, impacting life processes and various industrial applications.