What are the differences between diffusion and osmosis?

Both these processes involve the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration. They are also both passive processes, so happen without the use of chemical energy. However, osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, whereas diffusion can be any type of molecule. Osmosis also involves a partially or selectively permeable membrane, which means that not all molecules can pass through it. Diffusion can happen anywhere and in both liquids and gases (think of perfume spreading through the air, or squash in water). 

The full definitions are:

Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules from an area of high water concentration to low water concentration, across a partially permeable membrane.

Answered by Phoebe T. Biology tutor

4011 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Give advantages and disadvantages of treating patients with an artificial heart.


Describe how different environmental factors affect: the direction of growth of roots the direction of growth of shoots. In your answer you should refer to the role of plant hormones.


Describe the structure of proteins in terms of Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Quaternary structures


Explain what happens at a synapse with the use of a labelled diagram


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences