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Osmosis
Osmosis is the passing of liquid, through a semipermeable material, from a low solute concentration to a high solute concentration.
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What is the processes of diffusion and osmosis?
Osmosis is the movement of water from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane. For osmosis to happen you need: * two solutions with different concentrations * a partially permeable membrane to separate them Diffusion occurs when particles spread. They move from a region where they are in high concentration to a region where they are in low concentration. Diffusion happens when the particles are free to move. This is true in gases and for particles dissolved in solutions. Particles diffuse down a concentration gradient, from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. For more info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/cells/cells3.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/cells/cells4.shtml
Osmosis occurs when there is a concentration gradient of a solute molecule across a semi-permeable membrane, causing water molecules to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration to balance out the concentrations on either side of the membrane.
What is osmosis and its application?
http://www.answers.com/topic/osmosis The applications listed on that website are very informative, but the description of osmosis is lacking a few details. It would be a good idea to supplement your reading of that web page with this information:
It is a common misconception that osmosis is the diffusion of water in only one direction. In reality, water molecules will diffuse in both directions during osmosis, but the rate of diffusion from a region of high water potential (low solute concentration) to a region of low water potential (high solute concentration) will be higher than the rate of diffusion back into the region of high water potential/low solute concentration. Thus osmosis is the net movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, from a region of high (more positive) water potential to a region of low (more negative) water potential. The word 'net' is very important in this definition, as it illustrates that we are referring to the overall effect, rather than individual molecular movements.
It is also important to remember that osmosis does not stop when "there is an equal solute concentration on both sides of the membrane". Osmosis will 'stop' when the water potential on either side of the membrane is equal, which may occur when one side still has a higher solute concentration, since other factors also effect osmosis (eg pressure). Even when osmosis 'stops', water will still diffuse in both directions, but at equal rates (the system has reached equilibrium).
Does osmosis occur in an isotonic solution?
In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, as the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell is equal. Therefore, osmosis does not occur in an isotonic solution.
What are the key steps involved in reverse osmosis system installation?
The key steps in reverse osmosis system installation include selecting a suitable location for the system, connecting the system to the water supply, installing the pre-filters and post-filters, connecting the system to a drain line, and testing the system for proper operation.
