Physics Commons^™

Interdisciplinary Diffusion Lab, Sable Rosana Canales, Chloe Gaban

Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference

Diffusion is a principle in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students can model the rate of diffusion based on particle size by contrasting blue and yellow dyes. Two petri dishes containing agar-agar receive a drop of dye at the center. The radius of expansion is recorded over time and variance increases linearly with time. Diffusion constants vary by particle size, allowing for a size ratio comparison between blue and yellow dyes. Relating the data to cells, students predict that smaller molecules diffuse into living cells, whereas larger molecules need some assistance from protein channels as in facilitated diffusion.