Question

How would you describe the process of movement if the solution X has a lower %of solute solution say 5% sugar solution & solution Y has a higher % of solute solution for ex 10% sugar solution?

Answer 1

Osmosis is the movement of water from a hypotonic (lower solute concentration, higher water concentration) solution to a hypertonic (higher solute concentration, lower water concentration) solution across a selectively permeable membrane until isotonic equilibrium is achieved.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing the movement of water between two solutions of different solute concentrations, osmosis is the key process at play. Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. Let's consider solution X, which has a 5% sugar solution, and solution Y, which has a 10% sugar solution.

Assuming both solutions are separated by a membrane permeable only to water, water molecules will naturally move from solution X to solution Y. This is because solution X, being hypotonic, has a higher water concentration relative to its solute concentration than solution Y. Conversely, solution Y is hypertonic because it has a higher solute concentration and thus a lower water concentration compared to solution X.

The movement of water will continue until the solute concentration on both sides of the membrane is equal, resulting in isotonic conditions. The sugar molecules, being too large to cross the membrane, will remain where they are. This osmotic process helps maintain the proper balance of solutes and solvents within cells and across cellular membranes.