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Multiple Choice
Which of the following diagrams best represents the process of osmosis across a selectively permeable membrane?
A
Water molecules move from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration through the membrane.
B
Water molecules move from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration through the membrane.
C
Both solute and water molecules move equally in both directions across the membrane.
D
Solute molecules move from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration through the membrane.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration (high water concentration) to an area of high solute concentration (low water concentration). This process occurs to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
Identify the key terms in the problem: 'selectively permeable membrane' means the membrane allows only certain molecules (like water) to pass through, while blocking others (like solutes).
Eliminate incorrect options: Solute molecules do not move during osmosis; only water molecules move. This rules out the option stating 'solute molecules move from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration.'
Focus on the direction of water movement: Water moves toward the area with higher solute concentration to dilute it. This eliminates the option stating 'water molecules move from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration.'
Select the correct representation: The correct diagram should show water molecules moving from the side with low solute concentration to the side with high solute concentration through the selectively permeable membrane, as this is the defining characteristic of osmosis.