Question

When two aqueous solutions that differ in solute concentration are placed on either side of a semipermeable membrane and osmosis is allowed to take place, the water will Group of answer choices exhibit a net movement to the side with lower solute concentration. exhibit a net movement to the side with lower free water concentration. exhibit an equal movement in both directions across the membrane. exhibit a net movement to the side with higher free water concentration

Answer 1

During osmosis, water moves across a semipermeable membrane from a lower to a higher solute concentration side, essentially moving towards the lower free water concentration side to equalize solute concentrations.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two aqueous solutions with different solute concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane, osmosis occurs. Osmosis is a special case of diffusion specifically for water, a solvent, which moves from an area of high concentration to one of low concentration. Due to osmosis, water will exhibit a net movement to the side with the higher solute concentration, which is also the side with the lower free water concentration. This movement helps to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane, although the solute itself does not pass through the membrane.

Answer 2

exhibit a net movement to the side with lower free water concentration

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer would be that the water will exhibit a net movement to the side with lower free water concentration.

Osmosis is generally defined as the movement of water molecules through semi-permeable membranes from the region of higher water potential or lower solute concentration to the region of lower water potential or higher solute concentration.

From the definition, it becomes obvious that there would be a net movement of water between the two solutions to the side with higher solute concentration or lower free water concentration.