Why did the potassium permanent crystals in Figure 7.12 on page 197 start to dissolve in water without being stirred or shaken?

The potassium permanganate crystals started to dissolve in water without being stirred or shaken because of the process of diffusion. Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. The crystals dissolved as their particles spread out and mixed with the water molecules.