Consider the two containers below, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane that only allows the passage of small solutes. If A contains 6% NaCl in water and B contains 3% NaCl in water, at what point will diffusion stop?
A) When the volume of water in B is twice as large as the volume of water in C.
B) When there is no water left in A.
C) When there is no water left in B.
D) When the volume of water in A is twice as large as the volume of water in B.
E) When the concentration of NaCl is equal in A and B.

Question

Consider the two containers below, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane that only allows the passage of small solutes. If A contains 6% NaCl in water and B contains 3% NaCl in water, at what point will diffusion stop? 
A) When the volume of water in B is twice as large as the volume of water in C. 
B) When there is no water left in A. 
C) When there is no water left in B. 
D) When the volume of water in A is twice as large as the volume of water in B. 
E) When the concentration of NaCl is equal in A and B.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diffusion will continue until the concentration of NaCl is equal in both containers, as this is the point at which there will be no net movement of solutes across the semipermeable membrane. The other options are not necessarily relevant to stopping diffusion.

Consider the Two Containers Below, Which Are Separated by a Semipermeable