Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
diffusion
References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
Three-panel diagram showing the diffusion of chloride and potassium ions across a semipermeable membrane. Panel A illustrates movement driven by a concentration gradient, panel B shows both concentration gradient and opposing electrostatic force, and panel C depicts equilibrium potential where forces balance and ion flow is stable. Chloride ions are marked in blue, potassium ions in red, with direction arrows indicating ion movement. Blue ink diffusing diffusing in water kept in three separate flasks. Diffusion of molecules across cellular membrane diffusion Two U-shaped tubes illustrate water diffusion across a semipermeable membrane. In diagram A, water moves from side 1 to side 2, driven by osmotic pressure and a concentration gradient, with impermeant substances unable to cross the membrane. In diagram B, hydrostatic pressure opposes the movement. Key concepts such as permeability, osmotic pressure, and impermeant membrane are labeled.
How Do Plants Absorb Water and Nutrients?

diffusion: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: RSC Publishing - Diffusion and flow in complex liquids†. Sep 12, 2026
Article updated. Aug 04, 2026
Add new Web site: Denison Digital Commons - Diffusion and Random Walks (PDF). Dec 19, 2025
Add new Web site: California Institute of Technology - The Feynman Lectures on Physics - Diffusion. Oct 31, 2025
Add new Web site: RSC Publishing - Diffusion and flow in complex liquids†. Aug 06, 2025
Add new Web site: IBM - What are Diffusion Models? Jul 02, 2025
Add new Web site: University of Cambridge - Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy - Introduction to Diffusion. Dec 03, 2024
Add new Web site: City University of Hong Kong - Diffusion. Oct 25, 2024
Add new Web site: Indiana University Pressbooks - Basic Human Physiology - Diffusion. Jul 02, 2024
Add new Web site: Science Education Resource Center - Teaching Mineralogy - Diffusion and Partitioning. May 25, 2024
Add new Web site: Scholars at Harvard - Diffusion (PDF). Mar 15, 2024
Add new Web site: Khan Academy - Diffusion and Osmosis. Dec 14, 2023
Add new Web site: OpenStax - Chemistry 2e - Effusion and Diffusion of Gases. Nov 03, 2023
Add new Web site: Chemistry LibreTexts - Diffusion. Dec 17, 2022
Corrected display issue. Sep 25, 2019
Add new Web site: Leipzig University - Diffusion Fundamentals - Heroes and Highlights in the History of Diffusion. Feb 24, 2016
Add new Web site: Science Education Resource Center - On the Cutting Edge - Diffusion and Partitioning. Feb 23, 2016
Add new Web site: Institute of Microelectronics - The Physics of Diffusion. Feb 23, 2016
Add new Web site: Austin Community College District - Biology Course Redesign Project - What is diffusion? Feb 23, 2016
Media added. Jan 28, 2009
Added new Web site: Hyperphysics - Diffusion and Osmosis. Apr 07, 2008
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
View Changes:
Article History
Revised:
By: