Question

Differentiate between - Osmosis and diffusion.

Answer 1

1. Osmosis - Osmosis is the process by which the molecules of a solvent, such as water, move from a region of its higher concentration to a region of its lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane. For example, the absorption of water molecules from the soil through the roots of the plant.
2. Diffusion - Diffusion is the process of movement of molecules from a region of their higher concentration to a region of their lower concentration. An example of diffusion of the perfume sprays into the air by spreading the aroma.

Osmosis	Diffusion
It is limited only to the liquid medium.	Occurs in liquid, gas and even solids.
2. Requires a semipermeable membrane.	2. Does not require a semipermeable membrane.
3. Depends on the number of solute particles dissolved in the solvent.	3. Depends on the presence of other particles.
4. Requires water for the movement of particles.	4. Does not require water for the movement of particles.
5. Only the solvent molecules can diffuse.	5. Both the molecules of solute and solvent can diffuse.
6. The flow of particles occurs only in one direction.	6. The flow of particles occurs in all the directions.
7. The entire process can either be stopped or reversed by applying additional pressure on the solution side.	7. This process can neither be stopped nor reversed.
8. Occurs only between similar types of solutions.	8. Occurs between the similar and dissimilar types of solutions.
9. It involves the movement of only solvent molecules from one side to the other.	9. It involves the movement of all the particles from one region to the other.
10. The concentration of the solvent does not become equal on both sides of the membrane.	10. The concentration of the diffusion substance equalizes to fill the available space.
11. Depends on solute potential.	11. Does not depend on solute potential, pressure potential, or water potential.
12. Only water or another solvent moves from a region of high energy or concentration to a region of lower energy or concentration.	12. Any type of substance moves from area of highest energy or concentration to region of lowest energy or concentration.
13. Not associated with uptake of minerals and nutrients.	13. It helps in the uptake of minerals and nutrients.