volume_mute

The Influence of Temperature

publish date: 2026/05/19 08:39:32.819346 UTC

volume_mute

If the temperature of a fluid system is significantly increased, what specific effect does this have on the observable rate of molecular diffusion?

The diffusion rate increases because the higher temperature causes the molecules to move faster on average.

The diffusion rate decreases because the molecules expand in physical size and block one another.

The diffusion rate drops to zero because the elevated thermal energy locks particles into a fixed matrix.

The rate remains entirely unchanged because diffusion is independent of absolute thermal states.

Correct Answer

The diffusion rate increases because the higher temperature causes the molecules to move faster on average.

Explanation

Temperature is a direct macroscopic measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance. Higher temperatures mean faster average molecular velocities, which directly results in quicker migration and a faster rate of diffusion.

Reference

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Diffusion through liquids and gases