Osmosis

This simulation demonstrates how water molecules move across a selectively permeable membrane based on concentration differences. Watch how water molecules (blue dots) and solute molecules (red dots) interact and move between two chambers.

Key Points

• Water molecules can pass through the membrane, but solute molecules cannot
• Water moves from areas of high water potential to low water potential
• Water potential is influenced by solute concentration and drives osmosis in this simulation
• The rate of movement depends on the concentration difference between the two sides
• Movement continues until equilibrium is reached (if possible)
• The simulation shows both individual molecule movement and overall concentration changes
• This simulation simplifies osmosis by focusing on water and solute interactions, while real cells involve additional factors like membrane proteins, temperature, and pressure

Instructions

1. Use the sliders to set different solute concentrations for each chamber
2. Press 'Start' to begin the simulation
3. Observe how water molecules move between chambers
4. Watch how the concentrations change over time
5. Try different concentration combinations to see how they affect water movement