Diffusion and surface area to volume ratio
I can calculate the surface area, volume and surface area to volume ratio of different sized cubes and observe how long it takes for a liquid to diffuse into them.
Diffusion and surface area to volume ratio
I can calculate the surface area, volume and surface area to volume ratio of different sized cubes and observe how long it takes for a liquid to diffuse into them.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The concepts of surface area, volume, and surface area to volume ratio.
- Calculation of the surface areas, volumes and surface area to volume ratios of cubes of different sizes.
- Use of coloured agar cubes of different sizes to observe time taken for acid to diffuse to the centre of each cube.
- Interpretation of results and explanation using ideas about surface area to volume ratio and diffusion.
Keywords
Surface area - The total area of the surface of an object.
Volume - The total space of an object.
surface area to volume ratio - The relationship between the surface area and the volume of a shape.
Diffusion - Diffusion is the net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Common misconception
Mistakes with the calculations of surface area or volume are common. The concepts of surface area, volume and their ratio, with the effect that changing these have on diffusion, are difficult.
Plenty of practise on how to calculate surface area and volume, and compare these as a ratio, some simplified, is included. The experiment results are used to show the impact of changing surface area, volume and width on diffusion.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Diffusion and surface area to volume ratio , download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Diffusion and surface area to volume ratio , download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Transport and exchange surfaces in humans unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Beakers; cubes of agar containing phenolphthalein indicator and 0.5M sodium carbonate; 0.1M hydrochloric acid; timer
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
