Lab+1-+Diffusion+and+Osmosis

Purpose- The purpose of this lab was to demonstrate the processes of diffusion and osmosis, and to demonstrate the effect of solute concentration on water potential.

Summary of data- When two bodies of water are separated by a semi-permeable membrane, the water from the body with the higher water potential flows into the body with the lower water potential. Adding solute to the water lowers the water potential.

Conclusion- The purpose of this lab was to demonstrate the properties of diffusion and osmosis. Dialysis tubing was used as a semi-permeable membrane which allowed water to diffuse in and out depending on the water potential inside the dialysis tubing and outside the tubing. The water will always move from high water potential to low water potential. The larger the molarity of the substance inside the bag, the more water is diffused into the bag because the water potential was a lot lower. The results are, the lower the water potential, the more water is diffused into it. The results prove that diffusion actually works so our results were valid.

Why are results valid?- This process is shown in nature, in cells without cell walls. This natural event shows that this process is legitimate.