Key Difference: Diffusion is the process by which molecules move and travel from one place to another without requiring bulk motion. Effusion is the process by which molecules travel through a pinhole from a place of high concentration to low concentration.

The terms diffusion and effusion are commonly used in many sciences such as chemistry, physics and biology. In chemistry these two terms are two properties of gases. These two are confusing for many people that are just learning the basics of gases and its properties. Diffusion and Effusion are two different terms that mean two different things and should not be used interchangeably. Diffusion refers to the ability of gases to mix with each other, while effusion refers to the ability of gas to travel through a small pin-hole. Diffusion is also used in sociology, economics and finance to refer to the diffusion of people, ideas and values.

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move and travel from one place to another without requiring bulk motion. Diffusion results in molecules moving or mixing by only using kinetic energy. The word ‘diffusion’ is derived from the Latin word "diffundere" meaning "to spread out". In diffusion, molecules are in a constant state of movement and when propelled by kinetic or thermal energy they tend to mix with other molecules resulting in an inseparable mixture. Let’s take a practical approach, one container is divided in A & B sections using a solid partition; the first section is filled with water, while the second section is filled with red dye. Now, when the partition is lifted the dye and water try to fill the whole container. Then the dye slowly taints the water red, this being diffusion.

Diffusion causes molecules to shift from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration area, resulting in the mix of all the molecules. Diffusion stops when all the molecules are evenly spread out. Diffusion is not limited to water and works best in gaseous states, where molecules have more energy and ability to mix with other molecules. There are two approaches to diffusion: phenomenological and atomistic. According to the phenomenological approach the molecules travel from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration.  In the atomistic approach, diffusion is considered to happen due to random walk of the diffusing particles, in which the diffusion is propelled by thermal energy causing them to mix together. Diffusion plays an important part in creating minerals, nutrients and energy that are required by the body.

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