Osmosis 2B

Question 1

Define Osmosis

Answer 1

The diffusion of water molecules from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential

Question 2

Define water potential

Answer 2

The potential (likelihood) of water molecules to diffuse out of or into a solution

Question 3

Which substance has the highest water potential

Answer 3

Pure water

Question 4

What is it called if two solutions have the same water potential

Answer 4

They’re said to be isotonic

Question 5

Factors which affect the rate of osmosis

Answer 5

Water potential gradient- higher the water potential the faster the rate of osmosis(difference in concentration as osmosis takes place decreases)
Thickness of exchange surface- the thinner the exchange surface the faster the rate of osmosis
The surface area of the exchange surface- larger the surface area the faster the rate of osmosis