Which of the following statements is correct about the rate of diffusion of liquids?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The rate of diffusion of liquids is higher than that of solids.
Diffusion is the spreading of the particles of one substance among those of another. It is faster where the particles have more space and move more freely. Liquid particles move more freely than those of a solid but less freely than those of a gas, so the order is gases > liquids > solids.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) The rate of diffusion of liquids is lower than that of solids. — Incorrect. The particles of a solid are held tightly in place, so solids diffuse the slowest.
Option (2) The rate of diffusion of liquids is the same as that of solids. — Incorrect. Liquid particles move much more freely than solid particles, so the rates differ.
Option (4) The rate of diffusion of liquids is higher than that of gases. — Incorrect. Gas particles have the most space and speed, so gases diffuse the fastest.