- The solution on Side A is hypertonic compared to the solution on Side B, as it has a higher concentration of salt molecules.
- Water will move from Side B (hypotonic) to Side A (hypertonic) through osmosis; over time, the water level on Side A will rise.
- Once equilibrium is reached, water molecules will continue to move back and forth, but there will be no net movement, maintaining an equal concentration on both sides, as osmotic pressure becomes balanced.
In the setup with a semipermeable membrane dividing Side A and Side B of the container, the difference in concentration of salt molecules results in distinct characteristics between the solutions on each side. The solution on Side A is hypertonic, indicating a higher concentration of salt molecules compared to the solution on Side B. Osmosis, the movement of water across the semipermeable membrane, occurs from the hypotonic solution (Side B) to the hypertonic solution (Side A). This leads to a net flow of water from Side B to Side A, causing the water level on Side A to rise over time.
Once equilibrium is reached, the concentrations of water and salt molecules become balanced on both sides of the membrane. While water molecules will continue to move back and forth, there is no net movement, and the water level stabilizes. This dynamic equilibrium is maintained by the equalizing forces of osmotic pressure, ensuring that the concentrations on both sides remain constant. The continued movement of water molecules across the semipermeable membrane underscores the perpetual nature of osmosis, even though there is no net change in concentration once equilibrium is established.