using the vocabulary of osmosis, explain what may happen to the vegetation along the side of a road when excessive amounts of salt are used during the winter

The plants will severely dessicate and show the symptoms of burns.

Explanation:

Osmosis is defined as the movement of Solvent molecule from a Hypotonic solution to Hypertonic solution through a Semi-permeable membrane. During winters, the humidity is less in the atmosphere and rate of transpiration is comparatively higher, Thus, the plant loses a significant quantity of water. Presence of Salt around the cells creates a hypertonic environment around it and results in ex osmosis of water. Hence the plant severely desiccates and the tissues might get damaged resembling the symptoms of burns.