Calculate Height Difference Given Osmotic Pressure

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To calculate the height difference a given osmotic pressure would raise a column of water, the formula P = ρgh can be used, where P is the osmotic pressure, ρ is the density of water, g is the acceleration due to gravity (980 dynes), and h is the height. If the density of the solution is unknown, using the density of water is a common approach, especially since the problem specifies a column of water. The cross-sectional area does not affect the height calculation directly, as the height is determined by the pressure difference created by the osmotic pressure. The discussion emphasizes that while concentration changes during osmosis may affect density, for this calculation, the density of water can be assumed. Understanding these principles is essential for accurately determining the height difference due to osmotic pressure.
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i calculated osmotic pressure of a solution (nkt/V) and now i need to figure out how high this pressure would raise a column of water with a cross sectional area of 1cm^2. The force of gravity given is 980 dynes. How would i figure out height difference, i know it has to do with pressure difference but not sure how.
 
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I guess it would have something to do with P=ρgh
Pressure = density x g x height, g= 9,81m/s^2 (980 dynes)
 
256bits said:
I guess it would have something to do with P=ρgh
Pressure = density x g x height, g= 9,81m/s^2 (980 dynes)

thanks but i wasnt given density of the solution is there any other way?
i believe it has to do with cross section because next part asks for answer if cross section is 10^6 cm^2
 
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When water moves across the membrane the solution concentration changes so you have to take that into account.
 
the question asks for the affect of the amount of pressure (maybe so we avoid taking conc changes)
 
kthejohnster said:
thanks but i wasnt given density of the solution is there any other way?
i believe it has to do with cross section because next part asks for answer if cross section is 10^6 cm^2

As an aside, if you prepared your solution to a given molarity then you can find the density of the initial solution, but as the osmotic process continues the solution concentration will change.

Since the question asks for how high the osmotic pressure of the solution would raise a column of water of a area A, then I would assume the density used would be that of water.

Right now I don't see why a difference in the area would change the answer. Assume an unlimited amount of solvent separated from the solution by the semi-permeable membrane. The solution would rise h above the surface of the solvent ( water ).

I hope I am not missing something just so basic that I do see it.
 
kthejohnster said:
thanks but i wasnt given density of the solution is there any other way?
i believe it has to do with cross section because next part asks for answer if cross section is 10^6 cm^2
It says "a column a water", doesn't it?
 

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