Difference between osmosis and diffusion

It is the time to bring more excitement to science. Learn the new concepts and grab these conveniently. The process of learning concepts with the assistance of comparison is the ideal one. Let us view how diffusion differs from osmosis and vice versa:

Osmosis VS Diffusion

Solute Concentration

The central aspect that differentiates diffusion from osmosis is concentration. In osmosis, there are solute molecules that reflect their movement from the zone or area of low concentration. They start moving from low concentration to the area or zone of high concentration. The process of osmosis is the one that is possible to avoid through applying pressure to it. 

However, diffusion is when the solute molecules reflect their movement from the zone of high concentration to the zone or area of low concentration. No matter how much pressure apply, the process of diffusion cannot avoid. 

Medium 

Osmosis is a process that cannot carry out in multiple mediums. It requires only the liquid medium for its execution. However, in the case of diffusion, there is no limitation of the medium. The diffusion process can occur in all the mediums, such as gas, liquid, and gas. Hence, diffusion is found to more versatile than osmosis.

Membrane

The process of osmosis cannot occur in any membrane. It demands only the semipermeable membrane for its process. In comparison, diffusion has the excellent capability to execute its process without the requirement of any semipermeable membrane.

Direction

It is a confusing point for a majority of the students. However, it is a significant question from an exam point of view. Hence, one must remember the direction of diffusion and osmosis. Osmosis is a process that occurs merely in one direction, and hence it is also known as unidirectional. While diffusion varies from this, it can occur quickly in all directions and does not limit its direction. The movement of the particles for the diffusion can see in any direction. 

Speed: Difference between osmosis and diffusion

The speed of both of these processes varies from each other. Osmosis and diffusion do not process at the same speed. Indeed, one of these occurs at a much faster rate while the other one takes much time. Osmosis is a time-consuming process and takes much time to accomplish. It is papular as a slow process, while diffusion is found to be opposite to this one. Diffusion occurs faster and is hence accomplished quietly soon, and the particle starts moving throughout the medium without following any particular direction. 

Also read: Difference between formal and informal letter

Particle Movement

There is a movement of a particle in both the diffusion and osmosis process. However, the area covered by the particles varies for both processes. In the case of osmosis, solute particles move amazingly and cover a considerable distance. The movement of the solute particles follows a specific direction and spreads quite extensively. However, for the discussion process, the scenario is different. The solute particles in diffusion move the short distance only and can found near to each other. They do not cover huge distances but can found close to each other.