Question

The solutions in the two arms of a U-tube are separated by a membrane that is

impermeable to glucose and sucrose. On side A, you have 1 M glucose and on
side B. you have 2 M sucrose. The temperature is 22 °C and it is an open system.
2 Calculate the water potential of each arm of the U-tube. Use the
formulas and show your work
A: 1M
glucose
semipermesble
membrane
B: 2M
sucrose
BR
b. Which way will water flow?​

Answer 1

See the answer below

Step-by-step explanation:

Recall that: Water potential = pressure potential + solute potential

Since the system is an open one;

Water potential = solute potential = -iCRT

i = number of particles the molecle will make in water (1)

C = molar concentration

R = Pressure constant = 0.0831 liter bar/mole K

T = temperature in kelvin = 22 + 273 = 295 K

To calculate water potential on side A:

C = 1 M

Water potential = - (1 x 1 x 0.0831 x 295) = -24.51 bars

For side B:

C = 2 M

Water potential = - (1 x 2 x 0.0831 x 295) = -49.03 bars

b.

Since side A has higher water potential than side B, water will flow from side A to side B until equilibrium is established between the two sides. Water always flows from the region of higher water potential to the region of lower water potential.