Answer
The rate of diffusion of a solute through a membrane may be quickened by the following factors:
1. Increase in the steepness of the electrochemical gradient
2. An increase in temperature
3. Solutes with smaller particles( less mass) diffuse faster
4. Surface area of membrane. Increase in surface will result in
faster rate of diffusion
5. Diffusion distance. Diffusion over a shorter distance (
through a thinner membrane) takes
less time than it does over a longer distance.
Work Step by Step
The steepness of the concentration gradient and the membrane potential are important in this context. It should be remembered, however, that the nature and charge on the ion is an important factor in determining the electrochemical gradient.
