Two solutions A and B are separated by a membrane, which is permeable to water but not salts. Solution A is a 2% NaCl solution, while solution B is a 3% NaCl solution. Which of the following will occur?
A)Water will move from side B to side A.
B)Water will move from side A to side B.
C)Salt will move from side B to side A.
D)Salt will move from side A to side B.
E)Neither salt or water will move across the membrane.

Question

Two solutions A and B are separated by a membrane, which is permeable to water but not salts. Solution A is a 2% NaCl solution, while solution B is a 3% NaCl solution. Which of the following will occur? ​
A)Water will move from side B to side A.
B)Water will move from side A to side B.
C)Salt will move from side B to side A.
D)Salt will move from side A to side B.
E)Neither salt or water will move across the membrane.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water will move from the side with lower solute concentration (side A, which is a 2% NaCl solution) to the side with higher solute concentration (side B, which is a 3% NaCl solution) in a process known as osmosis. This will continue until the solute concentration on both sides of the membrane is equal or until equilibrium is reached. Since the membrane is not permeable to salts, the salt concentration will remain unchanged on both sides.

Two Solutions a and B Are Separated by a Membrane