Suppose that while the reverse osmosis system is running tank B becomes contaminated with salt water such that it ends up with a higher salt concentration than tank A. What would happen if the reverse osmosis system was turned off?
A) There would be a net flow of water from tank A to tank B.
B) There would be a net flow of water from tank B to tank A.
C) Water would flow in equal amounts in both directions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reverse osmosis works by creating a concentration gradient between the two tanks, with the tank holding the lower salt concentration receiving the water that has been filtered through the membrane. If tank B has a higher salt concentration than tank A, then when the system is turned off, the concentration gradient would be reversed, resulting in a net flow of water from tank A to tank B in an attempt to equalize the salt concentration.

Suppose That While the Reverse Osmosis System Is Running Tank