Help with a question about Osmosis

[extraordinarygirl]

I'm having a difficult time with a question in my homework and I was just wondering if anyone would help me out.
The question is:
Road salt that has been accidentally spilled on grass often kills grass. Explain why this happens?

I think it is because the salt deprives the grass of getting water, so it shrivels up and dies. Does anyone know if I am on the right track? I would love to hear another imput.

 

[iansmith]

You are on the right track but there might be more to it. So, if you gave us a more details explanation of your thought process we might be able to help you more.

 

[extraordinarygirl]

Okay, if the grass' soil contains salt, it would be hypertonic, so the cells will kill the grass and the water around it has a higher concentration of salt, so the water will leave the cell?

 

[iansmith]

Somebody posted the same question few months ago.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=68188&

 

[extraordinarygirl]

Thanks for your help:)