Osmosis Flashcards
1
Q
what is the definition of osmosis?
A
osmosis is the net diffusion of free water molecules from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration across a partially permeable membrane
2
Q
what is the explanation of free water molecules?
A
- in a beaker with undissolved sugar molecules there are more free water molecules
- however, in a beaker with dissolved sugar there is less free water molecules
- this is because when the sugar dissolves, water molecules are attracted to the sugar molecules
- these water molecules are now not considered free
3
Q
what is a partially permeable membrane?
A
a partially permeable membrane is a membrane that only allows certain particles through - in the case of the diagram the particles are selected by size. the free water molecules can move through however the sugar-water complexes are too big
4
Q
why do we say overall movement of water?
A
particles move randomly, in all directions
