Why do gases diffuse faster at higher temperatures?

Gases diffuse faster at higher temperatures because the gas particles have more kinetic energy and move more rapidly.

In more detail, diffusion is the process by which particles spread out from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This process is driven by the kinetic energy of the particles, which is directly related to their temperature. At higher temperatures, particles have more kinetic energy, which means they move more rapidly. This increased movement allows the particles to spread out, or diffuse, more quickly.

The kinetic theory of gases provides a useful framework for understanding this process. According to this theory, gases are made up of a large number of small particles that are in constant, random motion. The speed of these particles is determined by their kinetic energy, which in turn is determined by the temperature of the gas. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the particles also increases, leading to faster movement and faster diffusion.

This principle is not only applicable to gases but also to liquids and solids. However, the effect is most noticeable in gases due to their lower density and the greater freedom of movement of their particles. In liquids and solids, the particles are more closely packed together, which restricts their movement and slows down the diffusion process.

In summary, the rate of diffusion of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature. This is because higher temperatures provide the gas particles with more kinetic energy, causing them to move more rapidly and spread out more quickly. This principle is a fundamental aspect of the kinetic theory of gases and is crucial for understanding many aspects of chemistry and physics.