A student measures the mass of each of six potato cores and places one core in each of the unknown solutions. After a period of time, the student removes the potato cores and

Question

measures the mass of each one. The results are shown in the table.
Solution
Potato Core Mass
1
Increase
2
Decrease
3
No Change
4
No Change
5
Decrease
6
Increase
Which statement best describes a conclusion the student can make about the resultsSolution 6 is hypertonic because water flowed out of the cells of the potato.
Solution 6 is hypertonic because water flowed out of the cells of the potato.

Solutions 3 and 4 are isotonic because water flowed equally in and out of the cells of the potatoes.
Solutions 3 and 4 are isotonic because water flowed equally in and out of the cells of the potatoes.

Solutions 2 and 5 are hypotonic because water entered the cells of the potatoes.
Solutions 2 and 5 are hypotonic because water entered the cells of the potatoes.

Solution 1 is hypertonic because water flowed out of the cells of the potato.

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, the best conclusion that can be drawn from the results regarding the behavior of the potato cores in different solutions is:

Solutions 3 and 4 are isotonic because water flowed equally in and out of the cells of the potatoes.

Here's the reasoning behind this conclusion:

• Increase in Mass (Solutions 1 and 6): This indicates that the potato cores gained water, suggesting that these solutions are hypotonic relative to the potato cells. Water moved into the potato cells, making their mass increase.

• Decrease in Mass (Solutions 2 and 5): This indicates that the potato cores lost water, suggesting that these solutions are hypertonic relative to the potato cells. Water moved out of the potato cells, causing the mass to decrease.

• No Change in Mass (Solutions 3 and 4): This suggests that the concentration of solutes inside the potato cells is similar to that of the solutions, indicating that there was no net movement of water in or out. Therefore, these solutions can be classified as isotonic.

Thus, the correct conclusion is that Solutions 3 and 4 are isotonic.