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Multiple Choice
Which of the following would result in no change in osmotic pressure across a semipermeable membrane?
A
One side of the membrane has a higher concentration of solute than the other.
B
The membrane is impermeable to water.
C
Both sides of the membrane have equal concentrations of solute.
D
One side contains pure water and the other contains a salt solution.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of osmotic pressure: Osmotic pressure is the pressure exerted by the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane due to differences in solute concentration. Water moves from the side with lower solute concentration to the side with higher solute concentration to equalize the concentrations.
Analyze the conditions for no change in osmotic pressure: For osmotic pressure to remain unchanged, there must be no net movement of water across the membrane. This occurs when both sides of the membrane have equal concentrations of solute, as there is no concentration gradient to drive water movement.
Evaluate the first scenario: If one side of the membrane has a higher concentration of solute than the other, water will move toward the side with higher solute concentration, resulting in a change in osmotic pressure. This does not meet the condition for no change.
Evaluate the second scenario: If the membrane is impermeable to water, water cannot move across the membrane regardless of solute concentration differences. This would prevent osmotic pressure changes, but it is not the same as equal solute concentrations on both sides.
Evaluate the correct answer: When both sides of the membrane have equal concentrations of solute, there is no concentration gradient, and thus no net movement of water. This results in no change in osmotic pressure, satisfying the condition described in the problem.