Explain the osmosis, Science

Assignment Help:

Explain the Osmosis

Osmosis, quite simply, is the physical process, wherein there is transfer of a liquid solvent (water) through a semi-permeable membrane that does not allow the dissolved solids (solutes) to pass. 1 et us understand this process with the help of an example. Suppose a semi-permeable membrane separates two compartments. The membrane allows water to pass through but it does not allow the solute to pass through. On side A, there is water and on the other side B, there is solute dissolved in water. The membrane is permeable only to water, and the concentration of water is higher on side A. Hence, water diffuses from A to B, but in this type of solution, water is said to be transported by 'osmosis'. Unlike simple diffusion, no matter how much water moves from A to B, the concentration of water will stay higher on side A because side B can have a more and more dilute solution of the solute.

2190_Explain the Osmosis.png

However, transport of water by osmosis does not occur indefinitely because osmosis of water increases the hydrostatic pressure of side B. Osmosis is said to stop when the excess hydrostatic pressure on side B equals the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the solute. What do you mean by the term 'hydrostatic pressure'? Well to put in simple terms, hydrostatic pressure is a pushing pressure. Hence, the hydrostatic pressure on the side B tends to push the water from side B to A. While osmotic pressure is a pulling pressure, which in this case is exerted by the solute which pulls the water from A to B. When the pushing and pulling pressure become equal, there is no further movement of water. Finally, to summarize osmosis is the net movement of water from a region of high water concentration across a selectively permeable membrane to a region of low water concentration, driven by a difference in solute concentrations on the two sides of the membrane. Figure illustrates the osmosis process. We have looked at diffusion, osmosis and the facilitative diffusion process so far. We shall also look at the processes of ultra-filtration which is included under the passive transport system.


Related Discussions:- Explain the osmosis

Zoology, I Want to study Zoology but I''m not sure which branch to study an...

I Want to study Zoology but I''m not sure which branch to study and how this all works. I want to study mammals, but how do I get there exactly? Also I was thinking about Vertebrat

Fst-1, Describe the factors which decide the broad area of scientific activ...

Describe the factors which decide the broad area of scientific activity?

Define edta titrimetric method for estimation of calcium, Define EDTA Titri...

Define EDTA Titrimetric Method for Estimation of Calcium? The amount of calcium in any sample can be estimated by EDTA titrimetric method. The principle behind this method is d

Lights, how can i solve the problems

how can i solve the problems

Social science, role of scial science in human behaiver

role of scial science in human behaiver

What are analogys of microtubules, I am doing a science project and I need ...

I am doing a science project and I need to have a section in my project about the analogy of microtubules

Where the water table intersects the surface, What is the term for groundwa...

What is the term for groundwater emerging naturally at the ground surface, where the water table intersects the surface: Spring is the term for groundwater emerging aturally

Catholic, What is the literal translation of the word catholic?

What is the literal translation of the word catholic?

Explain the methods of food processing, The methods of food processing by c...

The methods of food processing by covering the two major methods- thermal processing dehydration.  Food processing methods which include  freezing, microwave proces

Define the applications of thermodynamics, Define the Applications of Therm...

Define the Applications of Thermodynamics Thermodynamics has extremely wide applications because basis of thermal engineering. Approximately all process and agriculture, transp

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd