Problem 2- Thinking about diffusion Suppose a system of solutes starts on the le

Question

Problem 2- Thinking about diffusion Suppose a system of solutes starts on the left and is left to diffuse. Which of the diagrams below represent(s) a possible subsequent state of the system? How would the state(s) you identified as possible come about? Explain in detail how the molecules of solute would behave and why Now suppose a membrane were placed in the system at the start as shown below. The membrane is completely permeable to both solute and solvent. Would the outcome change in any way? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

Suppose a system of solutes starts on the left and is left to diffuse. Then the diagrams ‘C’ below represent a possible subsequent state of the system. Because the diffusion is the spontaneous movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration and it continues till the equilibrium establish. in case of the C diagram the molecules are equally distributed therefore the possible diagram is C. In diffusion the solute molecules will move from the higher concentration to the lower area of lower concentration.

No, there would not be any change in outcome if the membrane is completely permeable to both the solute and solvent. because the diffusion does not require the semipermeable membrane, it is simply the movement of molecules from the higher concentration to the area of lower concentration and it continues till the equilibrium establish.

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