Question

Fill in the blanks below to complete the hypothesis for this lab. It should answer the lab question, “What is the effect of molecule size on a molecule’s ability to diffuse across a semipermeable membrane?”

If molecules are small enough, then . . .


because . . .

Answer 1

("then"): Molecules will diffuse through the semipermeable membrane

(“because”): they can pass through the membrane’s tiny openings

edge2023

Answer 2

Answer: See below

Explanation: If molecules are small enough, then they should have an easier time diffusing across a semipermeable membrane because smaller molecules can physically fit through or in between parts of a membrane that bigger structures may have to be actively transported through.

This is only true, however, if the molecule, membrane, and solvent do not interact because of polarity or proticity, which is not mentioned in the question so therefore should not be relevant.