The Diffusion Equation

The diffusion equation describes how particles, such as molecules or heat, spread out over time from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. It models this process mathematically, showing how the distribution of these particles changes gradually, driven by natural tendencies to reach equilibrium. For example, if you drop dye in water, the diffusion equation predicts how the color slowly disperses evenly throughout the liquid. It’s fundamental in understanding phenomena like heat transfer, gas movement, and even how pollutants spread in the environment.