A student calculates that the water potential of a solution in a dialysis bag is equal to - 6.25 bars. The water potential of a solution surrounding the bag is - 3.25 bars. In which direction will water flow?

Question

Physics

Reagan Vang

16 November, 01:45

A student calculates that the water potential of a solution in a dialysis bag is equal to - 6.25 bars. The water potential of a solution surrounding the bag is - 3.25 bars. In which direction will water flow?

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Cedric Holden · Answer 1

Water potential is defined as potential energy of water per unit volume with respect to potential energy of pure water. When some salt is dissolved in water, its potential energy becomes negative. Pressure on water increases its potential. Physical phenomena like osmotic pressure, surface tension etc influences the water potential.

Direction of flow of water is guided by water potential. Water always flows from higher water potential to lower water potential. In the given problem water will flow fro solution having water potential of - 3.25 bars to that having water potential of - 6.25 bars.