Spontaneous flow of the solvent molecules from the solvent to the solution or from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane represents which of the following term?

Osmosis

Osmosis is a process in which solvent molecules (usually water) spontaneously move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane. A semipermeable membrane allows the passage of solvent molecules but restricts the passage of solute particles based on their size or charge.

Here's a detailed description of the osmosis process:

1.  Setup: Consider a system with two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane. One compartment contains a solution with a higher solute concentration, referred to as the hypertonic solution. The other compartment contains a solution with a lower solute concentration, called the hypotonic solution. Initially, the solute particles are not evenly distributed between the two compartments.

2. Membrane Characteristics: The semipermeable membrane allows the movement of solvent molecules (such as water) but blocks or restricts the passage of larger solute particles, such as ions or molecules.

3. Concentration Gradient: Due to the difference in solute concentration between the two compartments, a concentration gradient is established. This gradient creates an osmotic pressure difference across the membrane.

4. Osmotic Pressure: The osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent molecules through the semipermeable membrane. It is determined by the concentration of solute particles and follows the van 't Hoff equation.

5. Osmotic Flow: As a result of the concentration gradient and osmotic pressure, solvent molecules (usually water) move from the region of lower solute concentration (hypotonic solution) to the region of higher solute concentration (hypertonic solution). This movement is driven by the attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

6. Equilibrium: Osmosis continues until the water potential (combination of osmotic pressure and pressure potential) on both sides of the membrane becomes equal. At this point, the net flow of solvent molecules stops, and the system reaches equilibrium.

Importantly, it's worth noting the effects of osmosis on cells. In biological systems, cells have semipermeable membranes, and osmosis plays a crucial role in maintaining cell shape and function. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution (higher solute concentration), water molecules will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink or undergo crenation. On the other hand, if a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration), water molecules will move into the cell, causing it to swell or potentially burst (lyse).

Osmosis is an essential process for various biological and industrial applications, including water uptake in plant roots, kidney function, preservation of food by dehydration, water purification through reverse osmosis, and more.