Lab 4: Diffusion and Osmosis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lab focused on diffusion and osmosis, helping students prepare for related examinations.

Diffusion

The process by which substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Osmosis

A special type of diffusion that occurs in cells, defined as the diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher concentration of water to an area of lower concentration of water.

Semi-permeable membrane

A membrane that allows certain substances to pass while blocking others, crucial for processes like osmosis.

Hypertonic solution

A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Isotonic solution

A solution where the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides of the membrane.

Hypotonic solution

A solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Concentration gradient

The difference in concentration of substances between two areas, driving the movement of diffusion and osmosis.

Molecular weight

The sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule, influencing the rate of diffusion.

Equilibrium

The state where the concentration of a substance is evenly distributed across a space.

Potassium ferricyanide

A chemical compound with a molecular weight of 329.24 g/mole, used in experiments to investigate diffusion.

Methylene Blue

A chemical compound with a molecular weight of 373.91 g/mole, used in diffusion experiments.

Net movement

The overall movement of particles in one direction, as opposed to individual random movements.

Dialysis bag

A semi-permeable bag used in experiments to simulate osmosis and study the movement of water.