What is the process by which particles of a solute move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration?

The process where particles of a solute move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is known as diffusion. This is a fundamental principle in chemistry and biology, reflecting how substances tend to spread out evenly in a space.

Diffusion occurs naturally due to the kinetic energy of the particles, which are constantly moving. As a result, the particles will move randomly and will eventually find themselves distributed uniformly across the available space, as long as no barriers or forces prevent this process. This concept is crucial for understanding how substances like gases and liquids interact in various environments, including within biological systems and the funeral service industry, where managing chemical processes is vital for embalming and preservation.

In contrast, the other processes listed involve different mechanisms. Osmosis is specifically the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Filtration involves the separation of particles based on size or other characteristics through a barrier, and active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, unlike diffusion, which is a passive process. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role each process plays in different contexts.