Solutes with a __________ molecular weight require __________ energy to move a given distance and therefore diffuse more slowly.
Answer (2)
Solutes with a higher molecular weight require more energy to diffuse, causing them to move more slowly than lower molecular weight solutes. This is due to the greater inertia of heavier molecules, which need more energy to overcome external forces during diffusion. Consequently, smaller molecules diffuse more quickly across membranes.
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To answer the question about the relationship between molecular weight and the energy required to diffuse, we can fill in the blanks as follows: solutes with a higher molecular weight require more energy to move a given distance and therefore diffuse more slowly.
Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It's a passive process, meaning it doesn't require energy input from the organism.
Here's why this happens step-by-step:
Molecular Weight and Mass : Solutes with a higher molecular weight have more mass. The larger the molecule, the more inertia it has, which makes it harder for them to move around compared to smaller, lighter molecules.
Energy Requirement for Movement : Because heavier molecules need more energy to get moving compared to lighter ones, they spend more energy moving from one place to another. This is why we say they require 'more energy' to diffuse over a particular distance.
Speed of Diffusion : As a result of requiring more energy and having greater inertia, these solutes diffuse more slowly. Smaller molecules can move more quickly and spread out more efficiently in the solvent.
In summary, larger molecules diffuse more slowly because they require more energy to overcome their greater mass and move a given distance in a solvent. This principle is important in understanding many biological processes, such as how nutrients and gases are transported within an organism.
