diffusion coefficient

The diffusion coefficient is a measure of how quickly substances spread out or mix with one another. Imagine dropping a drop of ink in a glass of water; the ink gradually spreads throughout the water. The diffusion coefficient reflects the speed of this spreading process. A higher diffusion coefficient means the substance moves and mixes more rapidly, while a lower coefficient indicates slower movement. This concept is important in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and biology, as it helps explain processes like gas exchange in the lungs or the behavior of pollutants in the environment.