Question

If the water potential for a sucrose solution in a dialysis bag is -6.25 bars and it is
immersed in a cup of sucrose solution having a water potential of -3.25 bars, and if the water potential inside and outside the bag is zero, will the bag gain or lose mass?
Explain your answer in two sentences in simple English terms

Answer 1

The dialysis bag will gain mass because the water potential inside the bag (-6.25 bars) is lower (more negative) than the water potential outside the bag (-3.25 bars), which means water will move from the area of higher water potential (outside) to the area of lower water potential (inside). This movement of water into the bag causes it to swell and gain mass.