How does the process of osmosis work?

Osmosis is the process of water molecules moving across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until both sides reach equilibrium. This movement of water occurs because of a difference in concentration of solutes (substances that dissolve in water) on either side of the membrane. The side with a higher concentration of solutes has a lower concentration of water, and vice versa.

The movement of water molecules during osmosis is driven by the concentration gradient of solutes. The solutes cannot move across the membrane, but water can. Water moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration until the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides of the membrane.

Osmosis is an important process in biological systems, such as in the absorption of water by plant roots and in the functioning of animal cells. For example, when animal cells are placed in a hypotonic solution (low concentration of solutes outside the cell), water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst. In contrast, when cells are placed in a hypertonic solution (high concentration of solutes outside the cell), water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.