Prediction
Osmosis is the process of diffusion of water molecules from a weaker solution into a stronger solution, through a semi permeable membrane.
The tiny pores in the membrane of the potatoes will allow the water molecules to go in and out of the potato cell, depending on the concentration gradient between the potato and the sucrose solution. If the water concentration is lower in the potato than in the sucrose solution, then water will pass from the sucrose solution into the potato, and it will gain weight. If there is a higher concentration of water in the potato, then the water will go out of the potato and into the sucrose solution, as osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration, through a semi permeable membrane. So, I predict that the higher the concentration of sucrose, the lower the weight of the potato as water from the potato diffuses into the sucrose solution.
Predicted graph of results:
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Apparatus
* 6 test tubes
* 6 different concentrations of sucrose solutions
* Potato
* Potato cutter/core
* Digital measuring scales
* Measuring cylinders
* Knife
* Test tube racks
* Tissue paper
Method
I will need 1 piece of potato in each tube. As there are 15 tubes I will have to calculate how many pieces I will need altogether. I think this would be a suitable calculation: 1x15=15. So, I will pierce out some pieces of a potato using a core, and then cut 15 slices with a knife. Then I will measure 10ml of each of the 6 sucrose solutions using a measuring cylinder. I will be given these