According to the rules of osmosis, a system will always strive for equilibrium. But what does that mean in practice? Imagine two solutions separated by a semi-permeable membrane – a barrier that allows some molecules (like water) to pass through but not others (like salt). One solution has a high concentration of salt, the other a low concentration.
Osmosis dictates that water will move from the area of low salt concentration to the area of high salt concentration. This movement continues until the concentration of salt is equal on both sides of the membrane. The system is then at equilibrium, its happy place!
This natural drive for balance is crucial in biological systems, like our bodies, where osmosis helps maintain cell turgor and regulate fluid levels. Understanding the rules of osmosis helps us predict and control the movement of fluids, essential in everything from cooking to understanding how plants absorb water.
