GCSE Chemistry Revision. Made Easy
Particles - all you need to know for your GCSE Chemistry Examination
Knowing all about particles is important for you to excel in your GCSE Science examinations. So we are going to take a look at the processes of dilution and diffusion and highlight some of the key information that you need to know. Let’s take a look at some of the following definitions:
A solute - mostly typically a solid soluble compound
A solvent - this is something that can dissolve other substances, usually a liquid
A solution - this is created when a solute is dissolved in a solvent
If a solute is white in colour, then the solution will have no colour.
If a solute is coloured, then the solution will have a colour.
In both cases, when the solute dissolves it breaks into tiny pieces which can no longer be seen in the solution. The mixing of a solute and solvent to create a solution is called dilution.
Diffusion is another process that you need to know. So let’s take a look at the key facts:
It involves the movement of particles from a higher concentration to a lower concentration - in both gases and liquids.
Diffusion in gases - gas particles move very quickly and can spread throughout a room in no time. This is why a smell can spread rapidly through an open space. If the gas is heated, then diffusion happens even more rapidly - the heat acts as a catalyst.Take a look at our song on diffusion as a key component of the respiratory system - diffusion happens in alveoli facilitating respiration - find out more here!
Diffusion in liquids - particles in liquids can move around each other which means that they can spread out. However, diffusion in liquids is slower than in gases because the particles are less mobile.
Diffusion does not happen in solids.
For more information about diffusion, have a listen to our GCSE Chemistry Revision song here!
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