Question

a student places four identical cells into four different liquids.

cell	description of liquid
x	less salty than the cell
y	equally as salty as the cell
z	pure water with no salts

over time, which cell will look the smallest?

• cell w
• cell x
• cell y
• cell z

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Osmosis Principle

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi - permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Step2: Analyze Each Cell

• Cell W: The liquid is saltier (higher solute concentration) than the cell. So, water will move out of the cell (from the cell to the liquid) via osmosis. As water leaves the cell, the cell will shrink.
• Cell X: The liquid is less salty (lower solute concentration) than the cell. Water will move into the cell, and the cell will swell.
• Cell Y: The liquid has the same solute concentration as the cell. There will be no net movement of water, and the cell will remain the same size.
• Cell Z: Pure water has no salts (very low solute concentration). Water will move into the cell, and the cell will swell.

Step3: Determine the Smallest Cell

Since water moves out of cell W, it will lose water and become the smallest among the four cells.

Answer:

cell W