Question

What is the difference between hypertonic and isotonic solution?

Answer 1

Hypertonic and isotonic solutions are defined on osmotic pressure
In isotonic solution the osmotic pressure is same in both the side solutions. As osmotic pressure is directly related with concentration () we can say that isotonic solutions will have same concentration. This is applicable only if there is no dissociation or association. For example the osmotic pressure of 0.1M glucose solution and 0.1M urea solution are same. So they are isotonic solution. But 0.1M NaCl will have higher osmotic pressure than 0.1M Urea solution because NaCl will dissociate in to Na+ and Cl-

Similarly in Hypertonic solution the osmotic pressure of one of the solution is higher than other solution. So that osmotic takes place in certain directtion. Hypertonic solutions are said with reference to another solution. For example 0.2M glucose solution is hypertonic with 0.1M glucose solution. This is also represented in terms of concentration.