Is the Osmolarity definition in wikipedia wrong?

In summary: Thank you.In summary, the Osmolarity definition in wikipedia is wrong. Osmolarity measures non permeable and permeable particles, and at equilibrium those permeable can be ignored, as their effects cancel out.
  • #1
sameeralord
662
3
Is the Osmolarity definition in wikipedia wrong?

"Osmolarity is the measure of solute concentration, defined as the number of osmoles of solute per liter of solution (osmol/L). "

but osmole mean particles that contribute to osmotic pressue. Meaning non permeable particles

But osmolarity measures non permeable and permeable particles

So is this definition wrong. Thank you :smile:
 
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  • #2


sameeralord said:
but osmole mean particles that contribute to osmotic pressue. Meaning non permeable particles

ALL particles contribute to osmotic pressure, doesn't matter if they are permeable or not.

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  • #3


Osmotic pressure only defines non permeable particles. I sent you an pm. I'm confused!1

this is the definition

"Tonicity is a measure of the osmotic pressure of two solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane. It is commonly used when describing the response of cells immersed in an external solution. Like osmotic pressure, tonicity is influenced only by solutes that cannot cross the membrane, as only these exert an osmotic pressure. Solutes able to freely cross the membrane do not affect tonicity because they will always be in equal concentrations on both sides of the membrane."
 
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  • #4


Those that can cross the membrane will cross it till their concentrations (or more precisely their chemical potentials) on both sides of the memebrane will be identical. It doesn't mean their concentrations on both sides are always identical - that's only when solute is at equilibrium.

Imagine two volumes of water divided with a mebrane that is permeable to both water and Na+/Cl-. You add some NaCl to one side. At first there is an osmotic pressure between both volumes, then it goes down as Na+/Cl- and water crosses the membrane. How long it will take depends on the membrane characteristics, but as long as equilbrium is not reached there will be measurable osmotic pressure.

So, when calculating osmotic pressure, you have to take every particle into account, but at equilibrium those permeable can be ignored, as their effects cancel out.

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  • #5


Borek said:
Those that can cross the membrane will cross it till their concentrations (or more precisely their chemical potentials) on both sides of the memebrane will be identical. It doesn't mean their concentrations on both sides are always identical - that's only when solute is at equilibrium.

Imagine two volumes of water divided with a mebrane that is permeable to both water and Na+/Cl-. You add some NaCl to one side. At first there is an osmotic pressure between both volumes, then it goes down as Na+/Cl- and water crosses the membrane. How long it will take depends on the membrane characteristics, but as long as equilbrium is not reached there will be measurable osmotic pressure.

So, when calculating osmotic pressure, you have to take every particle into account, but at equilibrium those permeable can be ignored, as their effects cancel out.

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Thank you :smile: I got it. However this is my last question

"A solution can be both hyperosmotic and isotonic.[1] For example, the intracellular fluid and extracellular can be hyperosmotic, but isotonic - if the total concentration of solutes in one compartment is different than the other, but one of the ions can cross the membrane, drawing water with it and thus causing no net change in solution volume."

So in osmotic solutions are they taking about the situation before equilibrium of permeable solutes and in tonicty they talk about the situation after equilibrium. Also how do solutes pull water with it. Is it because when one side has more solutes the water follow or are the solutes permanatly mixed with water.
 

1. What is osmolarity and how is it defined in Wikipedia?

Osmolarity is a measure of the concentration of solute particles in a solution. In Wikipedia, it is defined as the number of osmoles (Osm) of solute particles per liter (L) of solution.

2. Is the definition of osmolarity in Wikipedia considered accurate among scientists?

The accuracy of the definition of osmolarity in Wikipedia is debatable among scientists. Some may argue that the definition oversimplifies the concept and does not take into account other factors such as ionization and temperature.

3. What is the difference between osmolarity and osmolality?

Osmolarity is a measure of the solute concentration in a solution based on the volume, while osmolality is a measure of the solute concentration based on the mass of solvent. In other words, osmolarity takes into account the volume of the solution, while osmolality takes into account the weight of the solution.

4. Can the osmolarity of a solution change over time?

Yes, the osmolarity of a solution can change over time as a result of solute diffusion or movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane. Other factors such as temperature and pressure can also affect the osmolarity of a solution.

5. Are there any limitations to using osmolarity as a measure of solute concentration?

Yes, there are limitations to using osmolarity as a measure of solute concentration. It does not account for the size or charge of solute particles, and it only considers the number of particles and not their individual properties. Additionally, osmolarity may not accurately reflect the physiological effects of a solution on living organisms.

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