Final answer:
The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration is called diffusion. When this process specifically involves water, it is known as osmosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passive process when there is a greater movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration is called diffusion. This process does not require energy and is driven by the concentration gradient until equilibrium is achieved. Specifically,
when water moves across a membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration, the process is known as osmosis. This movement of water can occur through a specialized channel in cellular membranes known as aquaporins. Diffusion and osmosis are crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and for cells to adapt to solute concentration changes in their environment.