Biology
Concentration
The amount of a substance per unit volume. Concentration gradients—differences in concentration across space—drive many biological processes including diffusion, osmosis, and nerve signals.
Biological Context
Cells maintain specific internal concentrations different from their environment. Concentration gradients store energy that can do work. Signal molecules work at specific concentrations—too little produces no effect; too much can be toxic.
Business Application
Market concentration: how resources, customers, or competitors are distributed. High concentration means few dominant players; low concentration means fragmented markets. Concentration gradients in business create flows—talent, capital, and customers move down concentration gradients.