Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Semipermeable Membrane
A semipermeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others. In the context of osmosis, it permits the movement of solvent molecules (like water) but restricts solute particles (like salts or sugars). This selective permeability is crucial for maintaining concentration gradients between two solutions.
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Osmosis
Osmosis is the process by which solvent molecules move through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This movement continues until equilibrium is reached, where the concentrations of solute are equal on both sides of the membrane. Osmosis is vital for many biological processes, including nutrient absorption and waste removal.
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Equilibrium
Equilibrium in the context of osmosis refers to the state where the concentrations of solute on both sides of the semipermeable membrane become equal, resulting in no net movement of solvent molecules. At this point, the system is stable, and the rates of solute and solvent movement are balanced. Understanding equilibrium is essential for predicting the behavior of solutions in biological and chemical systems.
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The Equilibrium Constant Example 1