Two solutions are separated by a selectively permeable membrane.If solution A has a higher concentration of a nonpermeating solute than solution B,then __________.
A) the solute will pass down its concentration gradient from solution A to B
B) the solute will pass down its concentration gradient from solution B to A
C) water will pass down its concentration gradient from solution A to B
D) water will pass down its concentration gradient from solution B to A
E) neither the solute nor water will diffuse

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water will pass down its concentration gradient from solution B to A. This is because water moves from an area of high concentration (solution B) to an area of low concentration (solution A) in order to reach equilibrium. This process is known as osmosis. Since the nonpermeating solute cannot pass through the selectively permeable membrane, water is the only substance that can move between the solutions to equalize their concentration. As a result, solution A will experience a decrease in water concentration, while solution B will experience an increase in water concentration.

Two Solutions Are Separated by a Selectively Permeable Membrane