Final answer:
The goal of the Clark Osmosis Gizmo is to purify water using reverse osmosis, a technique where pressure is applied to a concentrated solution to move water to a less concentrated one, through a semipermeable membrane, thus filtering out solutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment goals for the Clark Osmosis Gizmo align with option b) which is to purify water through reverse osmosis techniques. In the process known as osmosis, water moves across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to one of higher solute concentration, naturally seeking equilibrium. On the contrary, reverse osmosis (RO) involves applying pressure to a concentrated solution to move water in the opposite direction—from a higher concentration to a lower one—effectively purifying it by removing dissolved solutes.
Used in various applications like desalination plants, water purifying machines, and portable units for military and disaster response, reverse osmosis is a critical technology for producing freshwater from saline or contaminated sources. The RO membrane must withstand the high pressure applied and restrict solute molecules while allowing water to pass through, ensuring the production of potable water.
It is an essential process for maintaining safe drinking water standards and is utilized across the world for its effectiveness in producing clean water from varied sources.