Question

The solutions in the arms of a U-tube are separated at the bottom of the tube by a selectively permeable membrane. The membrane is permeable to sodium chloride but not to glucose. Side A is filled with a solution of 0.4 M glucose and 0.5 M sodium chloride (NaCl), and side B is filled with a solution containing 0.8 M glucose and 0.4 M sodium chloride. Initially, the volume in both arms is the same. In the U-tube experiment illustrated above, which of the following statements correctly describes side B at equilibrium?

Answer 1

At equilibrium of the U-tube experiment, side B may have a higher water level due to the higher osmotic pressure from the non-permeable glucose and the balancing of the permeable sodium chloride concentrations.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the U-tube experiment with a selectively permeable membrane, side A contains a solution of 0.4 M glucose and 0.5 M sodium chloride, and side B contains 0.8 M glucose and 0.4 M sodium chloride. The membrane is permeable to sodium chloride but not to glucose. At equilibrium, water will move to balance the solute concentrations on both sides. Since the membrane does not allow glucose to pass through, water will move from side A to side B to balance the sodium chloride concentration, potentially causing side B to have a higher water volume. However, because side B also has a higher glucose concentration (0.8 M), which cannot cross the membrane, it will exert a higher osmotic pressure and attract water. Consequently, at equilibrium, the water level in side B may be higher due to the movement of water towards the side with a higher solute concentration and osmotic pressure.