Question

question 3 (mandatory) (0.5 points) in osmosis, when will there be changes in volume of the two compartments separated by a selectively permeable membrane? a) when particles in solution are prevented from crossing the membrane (nonpenetrating solutes). b) when the water concentrations on both sides of the compartments are the same. c) when particles in solution can diffuse across the membrane along with water. d) when the solutes concentration on both sides of the compartments are the same.

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (higher water concentration) to an area of higher solute concentration (lower water concentration) to equalize solute concentrations.

• Option A: If solute particles (nonpenetrating) can't cross, water will move to the side with more solutes, changing volume.
• Option B: Equal water concentrations mean equal solute concentrations (if solutes are non - penetrating), so no net water movement, no volume change.
• Option C: If solute particles can diffuse with water, solute movement would balance concentrations, but osmosis is about water movement due to solute concentration differences; this isn't the key for osmotic volume change.
• Option D: Equal solute concentrations mean no net water movement, so no volume change, but this is a result of balanced concentrations, while the driving force for osmotic volume change is solute (non - penetrating) being unable to cross (so water moves to balance). The core of osmotic volume change is when solutes can't cross (nonpenetrating), leading to water movement. So A is correct as non - penetrating solutes cause water to move, changing volume.

Answer:

A) When particles in solution are prevented from crossing the membrane (nonpenetrating solutes).