Difference Between Diffusion and Effusion for JEE Main 2024

Diffusion and effusion in Chemistry are the two most common concepts to refer to two distinct properties of gases. Diffusion and effusion may have a similar sound, but they are completely separate concepts. They cannot be used interchangeably since they have different interpretations. However, both effusion and diffusion are phenomena that take place every day of human existence. Human bodies typically experience diffusion, which involves the transportation of oxygen, vitamins, and energy.

Whenever a certain amount of gas attempts to move from one area to another, a barrier generally seems to be present or missing, which is the main difference between effusion and diffusion. But first, let's examine how diffusion and effusion differ from one another.

What is the Difference Between Effusion and Diffusion?

A sort of molecular motion via a gradient of concentration is called diffusion. The primary significance of diffusion is that it enables the combining of molecules in the absence of a boundary. But it primarily happens because of the gradient in molecular concentrations. Diffusion of gas occurs from high concentration regions to low concentration regions.

The motion of gas molecules is known as effusion. In a vacuum, it happens when gas molecules depart via a keyhole. It explains how easily gas molecules can pass via a small aperture in plain ways. The aperture in this case needs to remain smaller than the molecules' average free passage. Gas molecules will gradually but steadily move through the hole.

Examples of Diffusion and Effusion

The movement of carbon dioxide, water, urea, oxygen, and ethanol, the smell of perfume, or the foods inside a closed room are a few examples of diffusion. Substances in the body which can quickly diffuse through and outside of the cell membrane. Without utilizing any energy, they transport the concentration gradient right over the cell membrane.

An effusion is a deposition of fluid in an anatomical region, typically without loculation, according to medical terms. Pericardial, subdural, and pleural effusions are specific examples of effusion.

Balloons can be used to observe effusion. Despite the fact that the balloon appears to be completely impenetrable, effusion shows that it has holes in it. A helium-filled balloon will inevitably collapse if left aside for numerous days. That balloon would collapse faster if it were loaded with hydrogen since the molecules are more easily able to escape due to their smaller size.

Difference Between Diffusion and Effusion

The difference between diffusion and effusion in chemistry is provided in the below tabular column.

Interesting Facts

• Apart from differences there are some similarities between diffusion and effusion, a concentration gradient is utilized in both diffusion and effusion.

• The movement of molecules is also continuous and random in diffusion and effusion. Furthermore, neither one requires energy to move molecules.

• The Latin term diffundere, which signifies "to spread out," is the root of the English term diffusion.

• The Latin term effundo, which signifies "shed, pour out, waste, utter, lavish," is the source of the English term effusion.

Key Features to Remember

• The gas molecules which constantly move randomly, can cause diffusion. It is known as Brownian Motion. Ultimately, the molecules will travel wherever they can. The capacity of the gases to mix without requiring a larger movement is referred to as diffusion.

• The molecules' constant random motion also explains effusion. The capacity of gases to move via a tiny opening and from a location with a greater content to a smaller content is referred to as effusion, on the contrary.

• Furthermore, the boundary that screens the gas is the primary difference between diffusion and effusion.