Based on the experiment described, the students are investigating how different concentrations of sugar solutions affect the mass of potato cubes, which is a demonstration of osmosis. Here are the relevant principles related to the conclusions provided:
- Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane (in this case, the potato cell membranes) from an area of lower solute concentration (more water) to an area of higher solute concentration (less water) until equilibrium is reached.
Given this context, we can analyze the statements:
a. The higher the concentration of sugar, the more likely the water concentration will be at equilibrium.
- This statement is vague and does not directly relate to the changes in the mass of the potato cubes.
b. The lower the concentration of sugar, the more likely the potato will gain mass.
- This statement aligns with the principles of osmosis. If the sugar concentration outside the potato is lower (hypotonic environment), water will move into the potato, causing it to gain mass.
c. The higher the concentration of sugar, the more likely the potato will gain mass.
- This is incorrect. A higher concentration of sugar outside the potato means the solution is more hypertonic, which would cause the potato to lose mass as water moves out.
d. The lower the concentration of sugar, the less likely the potato will gain mass.
- This statement is misleading. If the concentration is lower, the potato is more likely to gain mass; therefore, this statement does not make sense in the context of the experiment.
The valid conclusion from the options provided is:
b. The lower the concentration of sugar, the more likely the potato will gain mass.
1 answer