Indicate the compartment (A or B) that will increase in volume for each of the following pairs of solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane:

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane: Compartment I with 3% (m/v) MgCl_2 and Compartment II with 6% (m/v) MgCl_2.
2. Understand that osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
3. Determine the solute concentration in each compartment: Compartment I has a lower concentration (3%) compared to Compartment II (6%).
4. Predict the direction of water movement: Water will move from Compartment I (lower concentration) to Compartment II (higher concentration) to equalize the solute concentrations.
5. Conclude that the volume of Compartment II will increase as water moves into it from Compartment I.

Key Concepts

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process continues until equilibrium is reached, meaning the concentrations on both sides of the membrane become equal. Understanding osmosis is crucial for predicting which compartment will increase in volume when two solutions with different concentrations are separated by a membrane.

Solute Concentration

Solute concentration refers to the amount of solute present in a given volume of solution. In the context of the question, the 3% (m/v) MgCl2 solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the 6% (m/v) MgCl2 solution. The difference in solute concentration drives the osmotic movement of water, leading to volume changes in the compartments on either side of the semipermeable membrane.

Semipermeable Membrane

A semipermeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others. In biological systems, such membranes are crucial for regulating the movement of substances in and out of cells. In this scenario, the semipermeable membrane permits water to move but restricts the passage of solutes, which is essential for understanding how the volume of compartments I and II will change based on the osmotic gradient.