Question

The solution in the two arms of the U-tube are separated by a membrane that is permeable to water and glucose but not to sucrose. Side A is half filled with a solution of 2 M sucrose and 1 M glucose. Side B is half filled with 1 M sucrose and 2 M glucose. Initially, the liquid levels on both sides are equal. After the system reaches equilibrium. what changes are observed?

Answer 1

Answer:

The liquid level will rise in Side A and drop in Side B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The membrane is impermeable to sucrose, but permeable to sucrose and water.

     Side A          Side B      

2 M sucrose   1 M sucrose

1 M glucose   2 M glucose

(a) Ignoring osmotic effects

The glucose will diffuse spontaneously from the side with higher concentration to that of lower concentration until equilibrium is established. There is no change in volume on either side.

At this point, we have

    Side A                Side B        

2    M sucrose    1 M sucrose

1.5 M glucose    1.5 M glucose

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(b) With osmotic effects

The solute concentration on Side A is greater than on Side B.

Water will diffuse into Side A.

The liquid level will rise in Side A and drop in Side B.