Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why a 5\% urea solution is hypotonic to a 10\% urea solution?
A
The 5\% urea solution has a lower solute concentration and higher water potential than the 10\% urea solution.
B
The 5\% urea solution has a higher solute concentration and lower water potential than the 10\% urea solution.
C
Urea cannot affect the tonicity of a solution.
D
Both solutions have the same solute concentration, so there is no net movement of water.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of tonicity: Tonicity refers to the relative concentration of solutes in two solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane. A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration and higher water potential compared to another solution.
Compare the solute concentrations: A 5% urea solution has a lower solute concentration than a 10% urea solution. This means the 5% solution is hypotonic relative to the 10% solution.
Analyze water potential: Water potential is inversely related to solute concentration. Since the 5% urea solution has a lower solute concentration, it has a higher water potential compared to the 10% urea solution.
Consider the movement of water: Water moves from areas of higher water potential (lower solute concentration) to areas of lower water potential (higher solute concentration). In this case, water would move from the 5% urea solution to the 10% urea solution.
Eliminate incorrect options: Based on the concepts of tonicity and water potential, the correct explanation is that the 5% urea solution has a lower solute concentration and higher water potential than the 10% urea solution.