Question

thinking critically

1. if a substance is known to enter a cell by diffusion, what effect would raising the temperature have on the cell? why does it have this effect?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand diffusion

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Temperature affects molecular motion.

Step2: Analyze temperature effect

Raising the temperature increases the kinetic energy of molecules. So, molecules move faster.

Step3: Determine effect on cell

For a substance entering a cell by diffusion, a higher temperature would increase the rate of diffusion. This is because faster - moving molecules (due to higher temperature) cross the cell membrane (which is the barrier for diffusion into the cell) more quickly.

Answer:

Raising the temperature would increase the rate at which the substance enters the cell. This is because an increase in temperature increases the kinetic energy of the molecules of the substance. With higher kinetic energy, the molecules move faster and can cross the cell membrane (through which they are diffusing) more quickly.