Diffusion is the process of movement of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, driven by random thermal motion. The following are the elements that lead to diffusion:
Concentration
Gradient: Diffusion occurs when there is a concentration gradient, which is a
difference in the concentration of particles between two regions. The particles
move from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration in
order to equalize the concentration.
Temperature:
Diffusion is directly proportional to temperature. As the temperature
increases, the kinetic energy of the particles also increases, causing them to
move more rapidly, leading to faster diffusion.
Describe the elements that leads to diffusion Discuss the
three schools of diffusionism highlighting their history and drawbacks
Pressure:
Diffusion is inversely proportional to pressure. As the pressure increases, the
volume decreases, which leads to an increase in the concentration of particles,
reducing the concentration gradient, and decreasing the rate of diffusion.
Surface Area:
The rate of diffusion is directly proportional to the surface area. If there is
more surface area available, more particles can come into contact with the
surface, leading to faster diffusion.
Medium: The
nature of the medium through which the particles are diffusing affects the rate
of diffusion. The medium can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and the rate of
diffusion depends on the properties of the medium, such as its viscosity and
density.
Distance: The
distance between the two regions affects the rate of diffusion. The larger the
distance, the longer it takes for the particles to diffuse, and the slower the
rate of diffusion.
Molecular Size:
The size of the particles affects the rate of diffusion. Smaller particles
diffuse more rapidly than larger particles, as they have less mass and can move
faster.
Overall, the
process of diffusion is influenced by a variety of factors, including
concentration gradient, temperature, pressure, surface area, medium, distance,
and molecular size.
The three
schools of diffusionism are a set of theories that attempted to explain the
spread of cultural traits and practices from one society to another. The
schools of diffusionism are as follows:
Evolutionary
Diffusionism: This school of thought emerged in the 19th century and was based
on the idea that cultures evolved in a linear fashion, with some cultures being
more advanced than others. According to this theory, cultural traits spread
from the most advanced cultures to less advanced ones, leading to cultural
homogenization. One of the major proponents of this theory was British
anthropologist Edward Tylor, who believed that all cultures progressed through
a series of stages, from savage to civilized. However, the theory of
evolutionary diffusionism was criticized for being ethnocentric, as it saw
Western culture as the most advanced, and for lacking empirical evidence.
Historical
Diffusionism: This school of thought emerged in the early 20th century and was
based on the idea that cultural traits spread through historical migration and
trade routes. According to this theory, cultural traits spread from their place
of origin to other regions, leading to the development of similar cultural
practices in different regions. One of the major proponents of this theory was
German anthropologist Fritz Graebner, who believed that cultural diffusion was
the main force behind cultural change. However, the theory of historical
diffusionism was criticized for oversimplifying the complex process of cultural
diffusion and for ignoring the role of indigenous innovation.
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Cultural
Ecology Diffusionism: This school of thought emerged in the mid-20th century
and was based on the idea that cultural traits spread as a result of
environmental and ecological factors. According to this theory, cultural traits
developed in response to the specific environmental and ecological conditions
of a region and spread to other regions with similar conditions. One of the
major proponents of this theory was American anthropologist Julian Steward, who
believed that cultural traits were adaptations to specific ecological niches.
However, the theory of cultural ecology diffusionism was criticized for
underemphasizing the role of social and political factors in cultural
diffusion.
In summary, the
three schools of diffusionism attempted to explain the spread of cultural
traits and practices from one society to another. However, each school had its
own drawbacks, such as being ethnocentric, oversimplifying cultural diffusion,
or underemphasizing the role of social and political factors. Despite these
drawbacks, the study of cultural diffusion remains an important area of inquiry
in anthropology and other social sciences.