Question

instructions: for each scenario, identify water flow and shape change during osmosis.
salt concentration inside the cell: 5% nacl, 4% nacl, 2% nacl, 10% nacl
salt concentration outside the cell: 10% nacl, 4% nacl, 6% nacl, 5% nacl
will water flow into the cell or out of it?
how will the shape of the cell change?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall osmosis principle

Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of low - solute concentration to an area of high - solute concentration across a semi - permeable membrane.

Step2: Analyze first scenario (5% inside, 10% outside)

The salt concentration outside the cell is higher. So, water will flow out of the cell. The cell will shrink as water leaves.

Step3: Analyze second scenario (4% inside, 4% outside)

The salt concentrations are equal. There will be no net water flow. The cell shape will remain the same.

Step4: Analyze third scenario (2% inside, 6% outside)

The salt concentration outside is higher. Water will flow out of the cell and the cell will shrink.

Step5: Analyze fourth scenario (10% inside, 5% outside)

The salt concentration inside the cell is higher. Water will flow into the cell. The cell will swell.

Answer:

Inside the Cell	Outside the Cell	Will Water Flow into the Cell or Out of it?	How will the shape of the cell change?
4% NaCl	4% NaCl	No net flow	Remain the same
2% NaCl	6% NaCl	Out of the cell	Shrink
10% NaCl	5% NaCl	Into the cell	Swell