How is osmosis different from diffusion?

• A. Osmosis involves the movement of solutes across a semipermeable membrane, while diffusion involves the movement of water.
• B. Osmosis requires energy input, whereas diffusion does not.
• C. Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, while diffusion involves the movement of solutes.
• D. Osmosis occurs only in living organisms, while diffusion can occur in any medium.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration. Diffusion is the movement of solute particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.
2. Identify the key difference: Osmosis specifically involves water molecules and requires a semipermeable membrane, whereas diffusion can involve any type of molecules and does not require a membrane.
3. Clarify the energy requirement: Both osmosis and diffusion are passive processes, meaning they do not require an external energy input. They rely on the natural kinetic energy of particles.
4. Consider the environments where they occur: Osmosis is a process that is crucial in biological systems, such as in cells, where the semipermeable membrane is the cell membrane. Diffusion can occur in any medium, including gases, liquids, and solids, and is not limited to biological systems.
5. Correct the misconceptions: The statement that osmosis involves solutes and requires energy is incorrect. The correct understanding is that osmosis involves water movement across a semipermeable membrane, and it is a passive process, similar to diffusion.