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Everyday Science · 45 sec

Diffusion

The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.

  1. The useful idea

    Diffusion is the net movement of anything (for example, atoms, ions, molecules, energy) generally from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

  2. How it works

    Diffusion is driven by a gradient in Gibbs free energy or chemical potential.

  3. Why it matters

    It is possible to diffuse "uphill" from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, as in spinodal decomposition.

Look for Diffusion the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.

Look for Diffusion the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.

Test your recall

Which idea belongs to the explanation of Diffusion?

  • Why it matters
  • How it works
  • The useful idea — correct

Diffusion is the net movement of anything (for example, atoms, ions, molecules, energy) generally from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

EvergreenLast verified 2026-07-19

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