Differentiate between osmosis and diffusion.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a comparison between osmosis and diffusion, which are both processes related to the movement of molecules across membranes. The response should detail the definitions, mechanisms, and differences between the two processes.
Answer
Diffusion is movement from high to low concentration. Osmosis is water diffusion across a semi-permeable membrane.
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration, while osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.
Answer for screen readers
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration, while osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.
More Information
Osmosis specifically involves water and requires a membrane to pass through, making it a subtype of diffusion which can involve any molecule and does not necessarily require a membrane.
Tips
A common mistake is to think osmosis can involve any type of molecule or does not require a semi-permeable membrane, which is not correct.
Sources
- Diffusion and osmosis - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Difference between Osmosis and Diffusion - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- What are some similarities and differences between osmosis and ... - Socratic - socratic.org
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