What drives the process of diffusion?

The process of diffusion is primarily driven by the concentration gradient, which refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space. In a situation where there is a higher concentration of a substance in one area compared to another, molecules will naturally move from the area of higher concentration to the area of lower concentration, seeking to equalize the concentrations. This movement occurs because particles are in constant motion and tend to spread out to achieve a uniform distribution.

While factors such as temperature can influence the rate of diffusion by affecting particle speed, the fundamental driving force remains the concentration gradient. It is this difference in concentration that initiates and sustains the diffusion process, making it a passive transport mechanism that does not require cellular energy or the action of enzymes.