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      Diffusion through a permeable material: practical

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain observations of diffusion through jelly cubes (a permeable material).

      Key learning points

      1. Particles of a liquid can move through a material by diffusion if the material is permeable.
      2. Observe a liquid diffusing into a jelly cube.
      3. Predict and observe effect of temperature on the diffusion of a liquid into a jelly cube.
      4. Predict and observe effect of cube size on the diffusion of a liquid into a jelly cube.
      5. Use ideas about particles and diffusion to explain these observations.

      Keywords

      • Diffusion - Diffusion is the net movement of particles of a substance down a concentration gradient.

      • Net movement - Net movement is the overall movement of particles from one area to another.

      • Permeable - A material is permeable if particles of a liquid are able to move through it.

      • Variable - In a science experiment, a variable is a factor that can be changed, kept the same, or measured.

      • Prediction - A scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome of an experiment

      Common misconception

      Particles cannot diffuse through a seemingly solid material.

      This practical lesson enables pupils to observe the diffusion of acid through permeable cubes of coloured jelly.

      Teacher tip

      Video demonstrations are provided, but the three experiments could also be done as teacher demonstrations with use of a visualiser. Prepare agar cubes containing phenolphthalein indicator and 0.5 M sodium carbonate to make it go pink. During the experiments, place cubes in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Who is correct?

      Aisha: "Only liquids are made up of particles."
      Izzy: "Only gasses are made up of particles."
      Lucas: "Only liquids and gasses are made up of particles."
      Correct answer: Sam: "Solids, liquids and gasses are made up of particles."

      Q2.
      The particles that make up a liquid are ...

      fixed in position.
      constantly moving from side to side.
      Correct answer: constantly moving in random directions.

      Q3.
      Match each scientific term to its correct definition.

      Correct Answer:concentration gradient,different concentrations of particles in one area and another

      different concentrations of particles in one area and another

      Correct Answer:net movement,the overall movement of particles from one area to another

      the overall movement of particles from one area to another

      Correct Answer:diffusion,the net movement of particles down a concentration gradient

      the net movement of particles down a concentration gradient

      Q4.
      Which statement is true?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: There is a higher concentration in area A than area B.
      There is a higher concentration in area B than area A.
      The concentration is the same in area A and area B.

      Q5.
      In which direction will there be net movement of particles?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: net movement from area A to area B
      net movement from area B to area A
      net movement in both directions
      no net movement

      Q6.
      In which direction will particles move along the concentration gradient?

      An image in a quiz
      only from area A to area B
      only from area B to area A
      Correct answer: in both directions
      in neither direction

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Particles of liquid can move through a material if it is .

      Correct Answer: permeable

      Q2.
      Particles of liquid can move into a cube of jelly by the process of ...

      concentration.
      decolourisation.
      Correct answer: diffusion.
      prediction.
      variation.

      Q3.
      In which beaker have particles of acid diffused all the way to the centre of the jelly cube?

      beaker A
      beaker B
      beaker C
      Correct answer: beaker D

      Q4.
      Jelly cubes are placed in acid at three different temperatures, and the time taken for the acid to decolourise each cube is recorded. Match the types of variables to the factors.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer:independent variable,temperature of the acid

      temperature of the acid

      Correct Answer:dependent variable,time taken to decolourise each cube

      time taken to decolourise each cube

      Correct Answer:control variable,the size of the cubes

      the size of the cubes

      Q5.
      Which scientific prediction is most likely to be correct?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: At lower temperatures, the time taken to decolourise the cube will be longer.
      At lower temperatures, the time taken to decolourise the cube will be shorter.
      Temperature will have no effect on the time taken to decolourise the cubes.

      Q6.
      Jelly cubes of three different widths are placed in acid. Which cube will be completely decolourised by the acid in the shortest time?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: The cube of width 1.0 cm
      The cube of width 1.5 cm
      The cube of width 2.0 cm
      The taken will be the same for each of the cubes.

      To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Diffusion through a permeable material: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...