If NaCl is added to the solution outside a semipermeable membrane containing pure water inside, what will happen to the movement of water across the membrane?

• A. Water will move from inside the container to the outside solution.
• B. There will be no net movement of water across the membrane.
• C. NaCl will diffuse into the container through the membrane.
• D. Water will move from the outside solution into the container.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
2. Identify the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane: Inside the container, there is pure water (no solute), and outside the container, there is a solution of NaCl (solute present).
3. Determine the direction of water movement: Since water moves toward the side with higher solute concentration, water will move from the pure water inside the container to the NaCl solution outside.
4. Consider the properties of the membrane: The semipermeable membrane allows water molecules to pass but not NaCl ions, so NaCl cannot diffuse into the container.
5. Conclude the net effect: Water will move out of the container, causing a decrease in the volume of pure water inside and an increase in the volume of the NaCl solution outside.