What is Osmosis _ It’s Meaning and Definition Diffusion of a solvent (usually water molecules).
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Osmosis is the movement of a solvent (usually water molecules) across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration. This process continues until equilibrium is reached.
Definition of Osmosis
Osmosis is the diffusion of a solvent, typically water, through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Key Points About Osmosis:
- Occurs through a semipermeable membrane (allows only certain molecules to pass).
- Moves solvent molecules (e.g., water), not solutes.
- Happens due to a concentration gradient (difference in solute concentration).
- Aims to achieve equilibrium between both sides of the membrane.
Types of Osmosis:
- Endosmosis – Water moves into the cell when placed in a hypotonic solution.
- Exosmosis – Water moves out of the cell when placed in a hypertonic solution.
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Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of a solvent (typically water) through a semipermeable membrane.
✅ Definition of Osmosis:
Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules (usually water) from a region of lower solute concentration (more dilute) to a region of higher solute concentration (more concentrated) through a semipermeable membrane, until equilibrium is reached.
📌 Key Features:
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Solvent moves, not solute.
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The membrane allows only the solvent molecules (like water) to pass, not the solute.
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The direction of movement is from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.
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Osmosis is a passive process (does not require energy).
🧪 Example of Osmosis:
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When plant roots absorb water from the soil, water moves into the root cells by osmosis.
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If you put a raisin in water, it swells as water enters the raisin through osmosis.
🔁 Osmosis vs. Diffusion:
| Feature | Osmosis | Diffusion |
|---|---|---|
| Movement of | Solvent (usually water) | Solute or solvent |
| Through membrane | Yes (semipermeable membrane) | Not necessarily |
| Direction | Low solute → High solute concentration | High concentration → Low concentration |
| Energy needed | No (passive process) | No (passive process) |
If you’d like diagrams, real-life examples, or quiz questions to reinforce your understanding, feel free to ask!