Osmosis RP - ChatGPT Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the purpose of the osmosis practical?
To investigate the effect of a range of concentrations of salt or sugar solutions on the mass of plant tissue.
How is osmosis defined?
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a more dilute to a more concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane.
What materials are used in the practical?
Potato cylinders, salt or sugar solutions, balance, ruler, knife, stopwatch.
What is the independent variable (IV) in this practical?
The concentration of sugar or salt solutions.
What is the dependent variable (DV) in this practical?
The change in mass of the potato.
What are some control variables (CVs) in this experiment?
Temperature, length of time the cylinders are left for, shape of the cylinders, drying the cylinders before re-weighing, removing skin from the cylinders, ensuring cylinders are fully submerged in the solution.
What happens when a potato is placed in a high concentration of salt or sugar solution?
Water moves out of the potato cells into the solution by osmosis, causing the potato to lose mass.
What happens when a potato is placed in a low concentration of salt or sugar solution?
Water moves into the potato cells from the solution by osmosis, causing the potato to gain mass.
What does it mean if there is no change in mass of the potato?
It means the concentration of the solution is exactly the same as the concentration inside the potato cells.
Why might length be used instead of mass in this experiment?
Length could be used as an alternative to measure the effect of osmosis on the potato tissue.
What additional equipment might be used to improve the experiment?
A bung could be used to prevent the evaporation of water from the solutions, which would change the concentration.
What safety precautions should be taken during this practical?
Care must be taken when cutting the cylinders of potato to avoid injury.
