Two aqueous solutions are separated by a selectively permeable membrane that allows water to pass through but does not allow starch to pass through. Solution A is 10% starch and solution B is 5% starch. What will occur?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water will move from an area of low solute concentration (solution B) to an area of high solute concentration (solution A) in order to equalize the concentration on both sides. However, since the selectively permeable membrane only allows water to pass through and not starch, only the movement of water will occur. This will continue until the concentration of starch on both sides reaches equilibrium. Therefore, water will diffuse from solution B to solution A.

Two Aqueous Solutions Are Separated by a Selectively Permeable Membrane