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Difference between Diffusion and Effusion

Diffusion-vs-Effusion

Our biomes and ecosystems comprise different processes like photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, osmosis, evaporation, transpiration in plants, etc. Diffusion and effusion are two such processes occurring within biotic and abiotic components around us. Diffusion in body cells allows them to intake nutrition and get rid of waste products. It also plays a major role in photosynthesis in plants. On the other hand, effusion plays a significant role in maintaining normal body physiology, especially in the lungs.

Keep reading to learn all the differences between diffusion and effusion.

Comparison Table

FactorsDiffusionEffusion
DefinitionMovement of molecules
from higher to lower conc.
Gas-molecule movement
across several small holes
Origin WordDiffundreEffundo
Type
of Molecule
Solid, liquid, gasGas
OccurrenceConc. gradientPressure difference
Movement
of Molecule
Freely movingAcross small holes
CollisionPresentAbsent
EfficiencyLessMore
ExampleSpread of fragrance,
and exchange of gases
Balloon deflation,
entry of water in lungs

What is Diffusion?

Diffusion is defined as the movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to an area of lower concentration. It is also known as the movement of particles down the concentration gradient. The concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of molecules.

In simple words, diffusion refers to mixing gas molecules with each other. The collision of gas molecules in space releases the gas’s molecular energy. This mechanism will then result in the reduction of the efficiency of diffusion. Diffusion is of two types, usually occurring inside the human body, such as exchanging oxygen between cells. The main reason for the occurrence of distribution is the concentration gradient of molecules. It is the random thermal motion of particles in a gaseous state. However, diffusion depends on the size and kinetic energy of those molecules. Gasses have a rapid diffusion due to the rapid movement of particles in a gas. The particles will move even faster if it is a hot gas. Diffusion is often confused with osmosis because of a similar mechanism. However, osmosis is water movement across a semipermeable membrane compared to diffusion.

diffusion

Examples of Diffusion

  • The smell of perfume spreading through the room
  • Food inside a packed room
  • Movement of oxygen or carbon dioxide gas between cells

What is Effusion?

Effusion refers to the movement of gas molecules from one place to another through a small hole or small aperture. The concentration gradient of the gas molecules generates a pressure gradient around the opening which works as a driving force that makes gas molecules move from gasses of high concentration to gasses of low concentration through the opening. The opening in the effusion should be small.

It is explained as the movement of molecules or compounds through a barrier with one or many small holes preventing gas expansion into the new volume. The diameter of the holes in the barrier is typically less than the mean free path of the gas molecules. The mean free path refers to the average distance traveled by a gas molecule before the collision with another molecule.

effusion

Example of Effusion

To understand effusion, consider the example of a balloon. However, gas or air cannot enter a balloon. But effusion shows that it contains a hole in it. Such as, if helium gas is filled inside a balloon and left aside for a few days, the balloon will collapse. In other cases, if hydrogen gas is filled inside a balloon, it would collapse even faster. Because of the smaller size of hydrogen molecules, they will escape easily, resulting in the balloon’s collapse.

Graham’s Law of Diffusion and Effusion

Thomas Graham devised ‘Graham’s law of effusion’ in 1848 when he discovered that lighter molecules travel faster than heavy ones. Graham’s law of effusion states:

“Rate of effusion or diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molecular weight.”

He mentions that the atoms or molecules with lower molecular mass will effuse faster than heavier atoms at constant temperature and pressure. Mathematically, it states that the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molecular mass.

Similarities between Diffusion and Effusion

  • Diffusion and effusion help in the movement of different molecules from one place to another.
  • The motion of molecules in both diffusion and effusion mechanisms is continuous and random.
  • Both take place via a concentration gradient.
  • They both do not need the energy to move molecules in space

Differences between Diffusion and Effusion

Definition

Diffusion

It refers to the movement of molecules from a high-concentration region to a low-concentration region.

Effusion

Whereas effusion refers to the movement of gas particles through a small aperture.

Origin Word

Diffusion

The English word ‘diffusion’ comes from the Latin word ‘Diffundre,’ translating to ‘spread out.’

Effusion

On the other hand, effusion originates from another Latin word, ‘effundo,’ meaning ‘pour out.’

Type of Molecules

Diffusion

Diffusion occurs in all three states, i.e., solid, liquid, and gas.

Effusion

Conversely, effusion occurs in a gaseous state, and not in the aqueous or liquid state.

Occurrence

Diffusion

Diffusion occurs when gas particles are spread all over the tube. They do not require a membrane for the movement of molecules.

Effusion

At the same time, effusion occurs when gas particles move from a small area, known as the mean free path. In other words, it appears when there is a pressure difference.

Movement of Molecules

Diffusion

In diffusion, molecules roam around freely in space.

Effusion

However, in effusion, molecules move only through tiny holes.

Driving Force

Diffusion

The concentration gradient acts as the driving force in simple and facilitated diffusion.

Effusion

On the contrary, the concentration gradient generates a pressure gradient in effusion which works as a driving force of molecules.

Collision

Diffusion

There are many collisions of molecules in diffusion.

Effusion

Alternatively, they are no chances of collision of molecules in effusion.

Efficiency

Diffusion

It is a less efficient method compared to others.

Effusion

On the other hand, effusion is more efficient due to the pressure difference.

Examples

Diffusion

The exchange of gasses between blood vessels, especially capillaries, and the environment occurs through diffusion.

Effusion

Pleural effusion, also known as water in the lungs, is an example of effusion affecting the right and left lungs. Such as, when there is a perfume spray in the room, the particles spread all over the area and get mixed within the air. In other words, it occurs when there are no holes or the holes are more significant than the mean free path.

The Bottom Line

Diffusion and effusion are critical processes essential to maintaining normal bodily function. Diffusion allows the exchange of molecules between cells, tissues, and organs. On the other hand, uncontrolled effusion may lead to a pathological condition called pleural effusion, which is a result of any underlying disease. The main difference between diffusion and effusion is the passage of molecules through small holes in effusion.

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