Question

What are the differences between osmosis and diffusion?

Answer 1

Differences Between Osmosis and Diffusion

Osmosis	Diffusion
In osmosis movement of molecules takes place through a semi-permeable membrane.	In diffusion there is no role of semi-permeable membrane.
It involves movement of only solvent molecules from one side to the other.	It involves passage of solvent as well as solute molecules from one region to the other.
Osmosis is limited to solutions only.	Diffusion can take place in liquids, gases and solutions.
Osmosis can be stopped or reversed by applying additional pressure on the solution side.	Diffusion can neither be stopped nor reversed

Examples of Diffusion: Examples of diffusion include perfume filling a whole room, a drop of food coloring spreading out to uniformly color a cup of water, and the movement of small molecules across a cell membrane. One of the simplest demonstrations of diffusion is adding a drop of food coloring in water. While other transport processes occur, diffusion is the key player. See more examples of diffusion.

Examples of Osmosis: Examples of osmosis include red blood cells swelling up when exposed to fresh water and plant root hairs uptake water via osmosis. To see an easy demonstration of osmosis, soak gummy candies in water.