How does the particulate nature of matter help us to explain the behaviour of particles during diffusion?

The particulate nature of matter helps us explain the behavior of particles during diffusion in the following ways:

1. Random Motion: Particles of matter are in continuous random motion. This is due to the kinetic energy they possess. This random motion causes particles to move from one place to another.

2. Intermixing of Particles: The particles of matter intermix with each other on their own. This is due to the fact that particles of matter have spaces between them. When particles of one type of matter come into contact with particles of another type of matter, they intermix due to the space between them. This intermixing of particles is known as diffusion.

3. Movement from High Concentration to Low Concentration: During diffusion, particles move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until a uniform concentration is achieved. This is because particles are always in motion and tend to spread out in the available space.

4. Effect of Temperature: The rate of diffusion increases with an increase in temperature. This is because with an increase in temperature, the kinetic energy of the particles increases which makes them move faster.

5. Effect of Size of Particles: Smaller particles diffuse faster than larger particles. This is because smaller particles have higher speeds and collide more frequently, leading to faster diffusion.

In conclusion, the particulate nature of matter explains the behavior of particles during diffusion by considering the continuous random motion of particles, the space between them, their tendency to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, and the effects of temperature and size on the rate of diffusion.