Question

Difference between hypertonic,hypotonic and isotonic

Answer 1

A hypotonic solution requires a lower osmotic pressure than the solution to which it is compared. If comparing two solutions with the same components, this means that the concentration of solute is lower than that of the other solution.


An isotonic solution requires the same osmotic pressure as the solution to which it is compared. For example in an isotonic saline solution the concentration of sodium chloride is such that it requires the same osmotic pressure as human blood. If comparing two solutions with the same components, this means that the concentration of solute is equal in both solutions.

A hypertonic solution requires a higher osmotic pressure than the solution to which it is compared. If comparing two solutions with the same components, this means that the concentration of solute is higher than that of the other solution.

The osmotic pressure is the hydrostatic pressure required to prevent the solute from escaping through a semipermeable membrane (e.g. blood vessel walls).

It can be understood by simple experiment , when we put a normal cell in -

1. Hypertonic solution - the cell will shrink . (Water moves out of the cell , as the solution have low conc.)
2. Hypotonic solution - the cell will swell (water moves into the cell , as the solution have higher conc. )
3. Isotonic solution - no change . ( The solution have equal conc. Of water )

hope it helps..