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The upcoming discussion will update you about the differences between Diffusion and Osmosis.
Difference # Diffusion:
1. It is the movement of all types of substances from the area of their higher free energy to the area of their lower free energy.
2. Diffusion can operate in any medium.
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3. Diffusion is applicable to all types of substances— solids, liquids or gases.
4. It does not require any semipermeable membrane.
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5. It is purely dependent upon the free energy of the diffusing substance.
6. It helps in equalizing the concentration of the diffusing substance throughout the available space.
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7. Hydrostatic or turgor pressure does not normally operate in diffusion.
8. It is not influenced by solute potential.
9. Diffusion of a substance is largely independent of the presence of other substances.
Difference # Osmosis:
1. It is the movement of only solvent or water from its higher free energy or chemical potential to the area of its lower chemical potential when the solute particles are not allowed to diffuse.
2. Osmosis operates only in a liquid medium.
3. It is applicable to only solvent part of a solution.
4. A semipermeable membrane is a must for the operation of osmosis.
5. Osmosis is dependent upon the degree of reduction of free energy of one solvent over that of another.
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6. It does not equalize the concentration of solvent on the two sides of the system.
7. Osmosis is opposed by turgor or hydrostatic pressure of the system.
8. Osmosis is dependent upon solute potential.
9. Osmosis is dependent upon the number of particles of other substances dissolved in liquid.
