The question given below consist of an assertion and a reason. Use the following key to choose the appropriate answer.

(a) Both Assertion and reason are correct statements, and Reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

(b) Both Assertion and reason are correct statements, and Reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

(c) Assertion is correct, Reason is the wrong statement.

(d) Assertion is wrong, but Reason is the correct statement.

Assertion: For desalination of sea water, pressure greater than osmotic pressure has to be applied on the solution.

Reason: On applying pressure greater than osmotic pressure the solute particles are pushed through the semipermeable membrane

(c)

The answer is (c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is wrong.

The assertion states that for desalination of sea water, pressure greater than osmotic pressure has to be applied on the solution. This is correct, because the osmotic pressure of sea water is very high, due to the high concentration of dissolved salts. In order to reverse the osmotic flow of water from the pure solvent to the solution, a pressure greater than the osmotic pressure is needed.

However, the reason states that on applying pressure greater than osmotic pressure, the solute particles are pushed through the semipermeable membrane. This is wrong. The solute particles are not pushed through the semipermeable membrane. Instead, the water molecules are forced to move from the solution to the pure solvent, carrying the solute particles with them.

Therefore, the answer is (c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is wrong.