Question

Define reverse osmosis.

Hint:

In reverse osmosis, pressure is applied to push the solvent from low concentration to high concentration across a semipermeable membrane.

Answer 1

Step 1: Reverse osmosis is the process in which solvent molecules pass through a semipermeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration when pressure greater than the osmotic pressure is applied. The solvent moves against the natural osmotic gradient.

Step 2: This process is widely used in water purification and desalination, where solvent (typically water) is purified by removing solutes like salts and other impurities.