Question

When the glucose solution described in part A is connected to an unknown solution via a semipermeable membrane, the unknown solution level rises. Based on this information, what can be said about these two solutions

Answer 1

Answer:

The unknown solution had the higher concentration.

Explanation:

When two solutions are separated by a semi-permeable membrane, depending on the concentration gradient between the two solutions, there is a tendency for water molecules to move across the semi-permeable in order to establish an equilibrium concentration between the two solutions. This movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane in response to a concentration gradient is known as osmosis. In osmosis, water molecules moves from a region of lower solute concentration or higher water molecules concentration to a region of higher solute concentration or lower water molecules concentration until equilibrium concentration is attained.

Based on the observation that when the glucose solution described in part A is connected to an unknown solution via a semipermeable membrane, the unknown solution level rises, it means that water molecules have passed from the glucose solution through the semipermeable membrane into the unknown solution. Therefore, the solution has a higher solute concentration than the glucose solution.