Question

1. what is osmosis and how is it different from diffusion?

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi - permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to an area of higher solute concentration (lower water potential), aiming to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides. Diffusion is the movement of any particles (like gas, liquid, or solid solute particles) from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, and it can occur in any medium (gas, liquid, solid) and doesn't require a semi - permeable membrane. The key differences are: 1. Osmosis involves only water movement, diffusion involves any particles. 2. Osmosis needs a semi - permeable membrane, diffusion does not. 3. Osmosis is a type of diffusion specific to water and across a semi - permeable membrane.

Answer:

• Osmosis: The movement of water molecules across a semi - permeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration (high water potential) to a region of high solute concentration (low water potential) to equalize solute concentrations.
• Differences from Diffusion:
• Osmosis moves only water; diffusion moves any particles (solute, gas, etc.).
• Osmosis requires a semi - permeable membrane; diffusion does not.
• Osmosis is a specialized form of diffusion (for water, across a semi - permeable membrane).