Question

Explain what the diffusion equation <X²> = 2Dt means with respect to how an object moves by diffusion. Using a plot shows how this equation relates to a diffusing particle or the spreading out of a point source of molecules.

Answer 1

Root mean square distance: In experiments on diffusion we are also study the distance travelled by a solute molecule from its place of origin in a given time t. the average distance <x> , travelled by the diffusing molecule is zero,since in the case of diffusion occuring in the one direction,the molecule moves randomly in unpredictable manner.however the root mean square distance <x²> is not zero.it has been shown that <x²>^1/2 = (2Dt)^1/2 means < x² > = 2Dt

Substances like water or ions and other molecules needed for cellular processes can enter and leave cells by a passive process such as diffusion.