Diffusion: moving particles
I can explain that diffusion is the movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher to lower concentration.
Diffusion: moving particles
I can explain that diffusion is the movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher to lower concentration.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- All substances, including the cell cytoplasm and substances within it, are made up of particles.
- These particles move in random directions and collide all the time.
- Concentration is the number of particles in a volume of liquid or gas.
- The net movement of particles is down a concentration gradient.
- Diffusion is the passive movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher to lower concentration.
Keywords
Passive process - A passive process doesn’t require any additional energy.
Concentration - Concentration is the number of particles in a volume of liquid or gas.
Concentration gradient - A concentration gradient is a difference in the concentration of particles from one area to another.
Net movement - Net movement is the overall movement of particles from one area to another.
Diffusion - Diffusion is the net movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Common misconception
Particles want or intend to spread out; particles stop moving after equilibrium has been reached.
Animations show particles in continuous random motion.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Diffusion: moving particles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Diffusion: moving particles, 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 3 science lessons from the Diffusion unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
close and fixed in position.
close, randomly arranged and can move around each other.
far apart, randomly arranged and free to move.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The number of particles in a volume of liquid or gas.
A difference in concentration.
The overall movement of particles from one area to another.