Diffusion

:This article is about the physical mechanism of diffusion. For alternative meanings, see diffusion (disambiguation).

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Diffusion, being the spontaneous spreading of matter (particles), heat, or momentum, is one type of transport phenomena. It is readily observed for example when dried foodstuff like spaghetti is cooked; water molecules diffuse into the spaghetti strings, making them thicker and more flexible. It is a physical process rather than a chemical reaction. In cell biology, diffusion is often described as a form of "passive transport", by which substances cross membranes.

Related Topics:
Matter - Particle - Heat - Momentum - Transport phenomena - Chemical reaction - Cell biology - Passive transport - Membranes

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