[Osmosis Practical Report]
Abstract: | The purpose of this investigation is to see if the concentration of Sodium chloride (NaCl) solution will affect the mass of the potato cylinder hence the rate of osmosis. This can be done by placing 5, identical in length (3cm) but different in weight, tubes of potato in 5 different beakers. Each containing an altered NaCl concentration. The concentrations used in this experiment were, 0%, 2%, 10%, 15%, and 26%. Potatoes were weighed prior to immersion into these solutions then after 15 minutes in solution were reweighed so that percentage mass change could be calculated. The hypothesis stated “when the concentration of NaCl is higher, osmosis will occur more readily causing the potato to decrease in percentage mass”. The results were recorded onto a table and then graphed. The patterns of our results were great besides for an odd random error. The results illustrated that as the concentration of NaCl solution increased the percentage mass of the potato cylinder decreased. All members who participated in conducting the experiment worked collaboratively and followed correct safety procedures. Several groups conducted the experiment and results from each group were collaborated and an average was calculated to ensure the results obtained were reliable. It was concluded from the results of the experiment as the concentration of NaCl solution increased outside the potato cylinder the percentage mass of the potato decreased. |
Introduction:
Osmosis is the mechanism by which water moves in and out of the cell. A greater quantity of salt on inside of the cell means more water will be pulled in, and a greater quantity of salt on the outside of the cell means that water will travel out. If the concentration of NaCl is higher, water will then travel out faster. This is because of the chemical bonds between polar ions such as H20 and NaCl. Due to these compounds