Comparative Analysis of Diffusion and Osmosis Rates Under Varying Conditions

Abstract

One of the main tasks of a cell is to balance the water and molecules in the cell. This experiment studied the effects of diffusion and osmosis under varying conditions. The diffusion experiment examined two dyes of different molecular weights at different temperatures. The diffusion rates were measured and the results were recorded during 15-minute intervals for 45 minutes. The osmosis experiment examined the diffusion rates of molasses bags submerged in water of varying temperatures. The results were recorded during 5-minute intervals for 20 minutes.

The diffusion rates of were compared and contrasted. The results showed that small molecules diffused at a faster rate and at higher temperatures than large molecules. They also showed that water diffused at a faster rate at higher temperatures.

Introduction

Diffusion is the passage of solute molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration (Fowler 2005-2006, p. 111). An example is ammonia diffusing throughout a room. A solute is one of two components in a chemical solution. The solute is the substance dissolved in the solution. The solvent, the other component, is any liquid in which the solute can be dissolved (Mosby’s, 2002 p.1602).

The rate of diffusion is affected by temperature and molecular size. Diffusion requires little or no energy because molecules are always randomly moving; this is due to their kinetic energy. The rate of kinetic energy, energy utilized by an object by virtue of its motion, is dependent on temperature (Mosby’s, 2002 p.957). Temperature measures the movement of molecules in a