diffusing

Diffusing refers to the spread of substances, energy, or information from a region of higher concentration or intensity to a region of lower concentration or intensity. It is driven by random motion of particles and can occur in gases, liquids, or solids, as well as in abstract domains such as ideas.

In the physical sciences, diffusion is the net migration of species down a concentration gradient. In gases and liquids, molecules spread until uniform. Key descriptions include Fick's laws, which relate flux to concentration gradients, and the diffusion coefficient, which depends on temperature, medium, and particle size. Brownian motion underpins this process at the microscopic level. Diffusion also occurs across membranes, from higher to lower concentrations, sometimes limited by barriers or by facilitated diffusion through transport proteins.

In materials science, diffusion governs alloy formation, phase changes, and sintering. Atoms move via vacancies or interstitial sites, with rates that increase with temperature. Diffusion can be intrinsic to processes like carburizing or diffusion bonding, and it affects corrosion and wear.

In optics and photography, diffusing materials scatter light to reduce sharp shadows and create a softer illumination. Diffusers are used in lighting, displays, and imaging to spread light more evenly.

In sociology, diffusion of innovations describes how new ideas or technologies spread within populations over time. Adoption often follows stages (knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, confirmation) and is influenced by perceived advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability.