Question

A beaker with a membrane is separating two solutions, initially of equal volumes. The solution on

side A is 100 mM KCl while the solution on side B is 150 mM sucrose. The membrane is not
permeable to ions or carbohydrates. In what way will the water move?
A) down its concentration gradient from side B to side A
B) down its concentration gradient from side A to side B
C) In osmosis, water moves against its concentration gradient.
D) As sucrose dissociates, it creates more individual molecules in solution and is therefore the
higher concentration gradient.
E) There is no movement of water.

Answer 1

A beaker with a membrane is separating two solutions, initially of equal volumes. B) down its concentration gradient from side A to side B

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is B, as water tends to move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, the solution on side A has a lower solute concentration (100 mM KCl) compared to side B (150 mM sucrose). Therefore, water will move down its concentration gradient from side A to side B.

Now, let's break down the explanation:

Membrane Properties: The membrane is impermeable to ions (like KCl) and carbohydrates (like sucrose). This means only water molecules can move through the membrane.

Concentration Gradient: Water moves across a membrane based on the concentration gradient of solutes. It moves from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration to equalize the concentration on both sides.

Initial Conditions: Initially, side A has a lower solute concentration (100 mM KCl) compared to side B (150 mM sucrose). Therefore, water will move from side A to side B.

Osmosis Direction: Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, and in this case, it moves down its concentration gradient.

B) down its concentration gradient from side A to side B