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Chapter 12: Problem 45

What is osmosis? What is a semipermeable membrane?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from a lower concentration to a higher concentration across a semi-permeable membrane until equilibrium is established. A semi-permeable membrane is a biological or synthetic layer that only allows certain molecules or ions to pass through.

Step by step solution

01

Define Osmosis

Osmosis is a biological process that involves the movement of water molecules. It happens across a partially permeable membrane from a region with a lower solute concentration to a region with a higher solute concentration. The process continues until the concentration on both sides is equal.
02

Define Semi-Permeable Membrane

A semi-permeable membrane, also referred to as a selectively permeable membrane or a partially permeable membrane, is a type of biological or synthetic, polymeric membrane that will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it. In biology, these membranes are used to control the rate at which substances can pass through them, helping to maintain the cell environment.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Semipermeable Membrane
A semipermeable membrane is essential for the process of osmosis. It acts as a selective barrier, only allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others. This means that while water molecules can usually move freely across, larger molecules, like proteins, or ions cannot. This property is critical in biological systems because it helps maintain homeostasis within cells.
In nature, cell membranes act as natural semipermeable membranes. They regulate the movement of substances based on size and charge, ensuring that essential nutrients enter cells while waste products are expelled.
  • Allows small molecules, like water, to pass through
  • Blocks larger molecules and specific ions
  • Maintains balance inside cells and organs
Solute Concentration
Solute concentration refers to the amount of solute (such as salt or sugar) dissolved in a solvent (like water). It plays a critical role in osmosis, as the process depends on the concentration gradient across a semipermeable membrane.
If one side of the membrane has a higher concentration of solute, osmosis will cause water to move towards it, attempting to balance the solute concentrations on both sides. This movement will continue until equilibrium is reached, where the solute and solvent are evenly distributed.
  • Affects direction of water movement during osmosis
  • Water moves from low to high solute concentration
  • Important in maintaining cell integrity and function
Biological Process
Osmosis is a fundamental biological process essential for life. It allows cells to maintain appropriate pressure and volume, crucial for cell function and survival. Through osmosis, plants absorb water from the soil, and animals maintain hydrated tissues.
This process helps regulate the internal environment, ensuring that cells do not become too swollen or shrink excessively. It's vital for nutrient absorption and waste removal. Without osmosis, cells would fail to maintain their structure and function.
  • Ensures hydration and nutrient uptake in organisms
  • Involved in waste disposal
  • Helps maintain cell pressure and volume
Water Molecules
Water molecules play a dominant role in osmosis because they are the primary component that actually moves across the semipermeable membrane. Due to their small size and polar nature, water molecules easily slip through pores in the membrane, migrating to equalize solute concentrations on both sides.
Their movement is driven by their tendency to move from areas of high water potential (lower solute concentration) to areas of low water potential (higher solute concentration). Without the free movement of water molecules, processes such as nutrient transport and waste removal would be impossible.
  • Key players in osmosis
  • Move to balance solute concentrations
  • Enable vital cellular functions

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How do the solubilities of most ionic compounds in water change with temperature? With pressure?

Acetic acid is a weak acid that ionizes in solution as follows: $$\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}(a q) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COO}^{-}(a q)+\mathrm{H}^{+}(a q)$$ If the freezing point of a \(0.106 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}\) solution is \(-0.203^{\circ} \mathrm{C},\) calculate the percent of the acid that has undergone ionization.

A solution containing \(0.8330 \mathrm{~g}\) of a polymer of unknown structure in \(170.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of an organic solvent was found to have an osmotic pressure of \(5.20 \mathrm{mmHg}\) at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Determine the molar mass of the polymer.

Calculate the amount of water (in grams) that must be added to (a) \(5.00 \mathrm{~g}\) of urea \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{CO}\) in the preparation of a 16.2 percent by mass solution, and (b) \(26.2 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{MgCl}_{2}\) in the preparation of a 1.5 percent by mass solution.

What is solvation? What factors influence the extent to which solvation occurs? Give two examples of solvation; include one that involves ion-dipole interaction and one in which dispersion forces come into play.
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