For the question(s) that follow, consider a 4% starch solution and a 10% starch solution separated by a semipermeable membrane.
-Which of the following occurs in this system?
A)Water flows equally in both directions.
B)There is a net flow of water from the 4% starch solution into the 10% starch solution.
C)There is a net flow of water from the 10% starch solution into the 4% starch solution.
D)Water does not cross the membrane at all.
E)Starch moves out of the 10% starch solution into the 4% starch solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A semipermeable membrane allows only certain substances to pass through while preventing others from crossing. In this case, water can pass through the membrane, but starch molecules cannot. The 10% starch solution has a lower water concentration compared to the 4% starch solution, so there is a concentration gradient that drives the movement of water from the 4% solution into the 10% solution in an attempt to equalize the concentration of water on both sides of the membrane. This results in a net flow of water from the 4% starch solution into the 10% starch solution. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

For the Question(s) That Follow, Consider a 4% Starch Solution