Question

1. apply scientific reasoning the beaker shown here has a membrane that separates two solutions. water can pass through the membrane, but starch cannot pass through it. how will the fluid levels change over time? after time has passed, starch is added to side b. how are fluid levels affected by the addition? explain your predictions.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand osmosis principle

Water moves from low - solute to high - solute concentration.

Step2: Initial fluid level change

Since Side A has a concentrated starch solution and Side B has a dilute starch solution, water will move from Side B to Side A by osmosis. So the fluid level on Side A will rise and on Side B will fall.

Step3: Effect of adding starch to Side B

Adding starch to Side B increases the solute concentration on Side B. Water will move less from Side B to Side A or may even reverse the flow if the concentration on Side B becomes higher than on Side A. If the new concentration on Side B is higher, water will move from Side A to Side B, causing the fluid level on Side A to fall and on Side B to rise.

Answer:

Initially, the fluid level on Side A rises and on Side B falls due to osmosis as water moves from Side B to Side A. After adding starch to Side B, if the concentration on Side B becomes higher, the fluid level on Side A will fall and on Side B will rise as water moves from Side A to Side B.