WHY WHy Why... =(

Ting: What is Osmosis?

Sue: It refers to the movement of water molecules from a region of low concentration of solutes (e.g. salt) to a region of high concentration of solutes through a semi-permeable membrane. (Nigel D. Purchon, 2000)

Ting: Can you please explain to me in detail what is Osmosis?

San: Different concentrations of solute molecules leads to different concentrations of free water molecules on either side of the membrane. On the side of the membrane with lower concentration of solute, more water molecules will strike the pores in the membrane for a given interval of time. More strikes means that there are more molecules passing through the pores, which results in net diffusion of water from the compartment with high concentration of free water to that with low concentration of free water.

Ting: I see. May I know what are the most important keys to remember about osmosis?

Sue: Sure. All you have to know is the size of the solute particles will not influence osmosis. Furthermore, equilibrium is reached when both sides of the membrane has an equal net flow of water. (R.A Bowen,2000)

Ting: How is osmosis related with our experiment?

San: ermm... The tendency of water flow from an area of low salt concentration to an area of high salt concentration across a semi permeable membrane??

According of what we have found from the references...

Ting, Sue, and San: " The potatoes having a lower salt concentration compared to the soup (added with high amount of salt) will have higher salt concentration....

SO, the water in the potatoes moves through the semi permeable membrane (the skin of potato) from the area of low salt concentration (the potato) to the area of high salt concentration (the soup). The water coming out will be able to dilute the soup.

As a result, this can reduce the saltiness of soup!!.. XD "