What process describes the movement of a dissolved substance from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration?

The correct answer is diffusion because it accurately describes the process where molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached. This movement occurs due to the random motion of particles, leading them to disperse evenly throughout their environment. Diffusion is a fundamental concept in various scientific fields, including chemistry and biology, and is crucial for processes such as the exchange of gases in respiration and the absorption of nutrients in cells.

Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane, which differentiates it from general diffusion that can involve many types of solutes. Evaporation refers to the transformation of liquid into vapor and is not about concentration gradients. Filtration involves separating substances based on size or physical barriers rather than concentration gradients.