Final answer:
An aqueous solution with a higher solute concentration has a lower concentration of free water molecules. In an experiment, if one solution has a higher osmolality than another, it is the more concentrated solution. Hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions impact water movement across cell membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
An aqueous solution with a higher concentration of solutes will have a lower concentration of free water molecules. This is because the water molecules are more likely to be associated with the solute particles, either dissolving them or forming hydration shells around them. This process reduces the number of free water molecules available in the solution.
When comparing two aqueous solutions, like solutions A and B mentioned in a student's experiment, if solution B has a much higher osmolality than solution A, then solution B is the more concentrated solution. This is because osmolality is a measure of the moles of solute per kilogram of solvent. Therefore, a higher osmolality indicates a greater concentration of solute particles within the solution.
In biology, the concepts of hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions are crucial. A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cytoplasm of a cell, leading to water exiting the cell, while a hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration, causing water to enter the cell. An isotonic solution has an equal solute concentration as the cytoplasm, allowing for an equilibrium in water movement in and out of the cell.