Q. 9.66 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

A $0.1\% (m/v)$ albumin solution is separated from a $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution by a semipermeable membrane. (Albumin is a colloid.)

a. Which compartment has the higher osmotic pressure?

b. In which direction will water flow initially?

c. In which compartment will the volume level rise?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(part a) $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution compartment has the higher osmotic pressure.

(part b) The water flow initially from $0.1\% (m/v)$ albumin solution to $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution.

(part c) The $2\% (m/v)$ Albumin solution compartment have the high level of Volume.

Step1: Introduction (part a).

Mass percentage is concentration expression of solute which may be percentage of the mass of the solution. It expressed by the following formula:

$\text{ Mass percentage of solute }=\frac{\text{ grams of solute }}{\text{ grams of solution }}\times 100\%$

Step2: Given Information (part a).

Given:

$0.1\% (m/v)$ Albumin solution is separated from $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution.

Step3: Explanation (part a).

The compartment with the highest osmotic pressure is the $2\% (m/v)$ compartment.

Step4: Given Information (part b).

$0.1\% (m/v)$ albumin solution is separated from $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution.

Step5: Explanation (part b).

Water will initially flow from $0.1\% (m/v)$ albumin solution to $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution.

Step6: Given Information (part c).

$0.1\% (m/v)$ albumin solution is separated from $2\% (m/v)$ albumin solution.

Step7: Explanation (part c).

The volume of the $2\% (m/v)$ compartment will increase.