Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes osmosis?
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6. The Membrane
Osmosis
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Which of the following best explains the net movement of free water molecules during osmosis across a selectively permeable membrane?
A
Free water molecules move equally in both directions regardless of solute concentration.
B
Free water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
C
Free water molecules do not move across selectively permeable membranes.
D
Free water molecules move from an area of higher solute concentration to an area of lower solute concentration.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (higher free water concentration) to an area of higher solute concentration (lower free water concentration). This process occurs to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided. The first option states that free water molecules move equally in both directions regardless of solute concentration. This is incorrect because osmosis is driven by differences in solute concentration, not random movement.
Step 3: Evaluate the second option, which states that free water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This aligns with the definition of osmosis, as water moves to dilute the higher solute concentration and achieve equilibrium.
Step 4: Consider the third option, which claims that free water molecules do not move across selectively permeable membranes. This is incorrect because osmosis specifically involves the movement of water across such membranes.
Step 5: Examine the fourth option, which states that free water molecules move from an area of higher solute concentration to an area of lower solute concentration. This is incorrect because water moves in the opposite direction, from lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration, to balance solute levels.
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