Suppose you have a container divided by a membrane that is permeable to water but not to sugar. Side A has a 10% sugar solution. Side B has a 40% sugar solution. Both start out at 10 cm in height. Over time, the height of one side drops to 7 Cm and the height of the other side increases to 13 cm. Which side of the container is now at 7 cm? Explain

Question

Rebecca Schwartz

Biology

21 September, 12:50

Suppose you have a container divided by a membrane that is permeable to water but not to sugar. Side A has a 10% sugar solution. Side B has a 40% sugar solution. Both start out at 10 cm in height. Over time, the height of one side drops to 7 Cm and the height of the other side increases to 13 cm. Which side of the container is now at 7 cm? Explain

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Allen · Answer 1

Side B will be higher.

The idea is that water will move through the membrane to equalize the concentration of sugar on either side. Since side B has a higher concentration the water will diffuse through the membrane to dilute the concentration of sugar while also raising the overall water height.