Commodity Fumigation License Practice Exam

If gases move from lower concentration to higher concentration, what is the correct statement?

1. It is True

2. Both directions

3. It is False

4. Depends on temperature

The correct answer is: It is False

The correct interpretation of gas movement is based on the principles of diffusion and concentration gradients. Gases naturally move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration, a process driven by the desire to reach equilibrium. This behavior is rooted in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that systems tend to move toward a state of disorder or equilibrium. When evaluating the statement that gases move from lower concentration to higher concentration, it fundamentally misunderstands the nature of diffusion. In typical scenarios, gas molecules will spread out from concentrated areas to less concentrated areas rather than the opposite. Therefore, the assertion that gases would move in the reverse direction does not align with observed physical principles, making it false. It's important to recognize that factors influencing gas movement, such as temperature or pressure variations, still uphold this fundamental principle of diffusion. While temperature can affect the speed of molecular movement and thus influence diffusion rates, it does not alter the direction of movement concerning concentration gradients.