Osmosis Between Air And Liquid

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of osmosis in which a solvent moves across a semi-permeable membrane from a high concentration of solute to a low concentration. It is questioned whether the solvent would move through the membrane to the side with just air and if it would then immediately move back to the side with higher solute concentration. It is explained that the presence of air as an infinite reservoir would cause the solvent to eventually dry out, and that equilibrium is never reached with an infinite reservoir. The discussion also mentions the processes of microdialysis and vapor diffusion in relation to this setup.
  • #1
u0362565
52
0
Hi all,

In osmosis a solvent moves across a semi-permeable membrane when the solvent is on both sides of the membrane but the concentration of the solute differs. Normally solvent moves from the side with high osmotic pressure (solvent containing less solute) to side containing more solute. However if one side of the membrane contained a solution and the other side was just air would the solvent move through the membrane to the air side by diffusion? If it did then immediately the solvent that passed through which would not not contain solute would move back to the side with higher solute concentration due to osmosis? If no water would move across why not?
 
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  • #2
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  • #3
u0362565 said:
Hi all,

In osmosis a solvent moves across a semi-permeable membrane when the solvent is on both sides of the membrane but the concentration of the solute differs. Normally solvent moves from the side with high osmotic pressure (solvent containing less solute) to side containing more solute. However if one side of the membrane contained a solution and the other side was just air would the solvent move through the membrane to the air side by diffusion? If it did then immediately the solvent that passed through which would not not contain solute would move back to the side with higher solute concentration due to osmosis? If no water would move across why not?

By 'air' you have an essentially infinite reservoir for a volatile solvent to move into so eventually it all dries out if the air is dry. For your 'moving back' question, things like this are always happening both ways at the same time, but happening more one way than the other until equilibrium is reached (which it never would be with and infinite reservoir of air). But as the solute gets more concentrated it would hold on more to the solvent and the process would slow down. Probably something else would happen, the solvent would crystallize.

You do not need a membrane for this to happen. Your setup reminds me of 'microdialysis' as well as of vapor diffusion used for crystallizing proteins by slowly increasing their concentration and that of the salts with them. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_crystallization#Vapor_diffusion
 

What is osmosis between air and liquid?

Osmosis between air and liquid is a process in which molecules of a gas, such as oxygen, move from an area of higher concentration (air) to an area of lower concentration (liquid). This occurs due to the difference in concentration and pressure between the two substances.

How does osmosis between air and liquid occur?

Osmosis between air and liquid occurs through a semipermeable membrane, which allows the smaller gas molecules to pass through while blocking larger liquid molecules. The movement of gas molecules is driven by the difference in concentration and pressure on either side of the membrane.

What factors affect osmosis between air and liquid?

The rate of osmosis between air and liquid can be affected by several factors, including the type and thickness of the membrane, the temperature and pressure of the system, and the difference in concentration between the two substances. The presence of other substances, such as solutes, can also impact the rate of osmosis.

What is the importance of osmosis between air and liquid in nature?

Osmosis between air and liquid plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of gases and fluids in living organisms. For example, in plants, osmosis between air and liquid allows for the exchange of gases needed for photosynthesis. In humans, it helps regulate the concentration of gases in the bloodstream and aids in the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood.

How is osmosis between air and liquid used in scientific research and industries?

Osmosis between air and liquid is widely used in various scientific fields, such as biology, chemistry, and environmental science, to study the movement of gases and fluids. It is also utilized in industries such as food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment, where the process is used to purify liquids and remove impurities.

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