Question

State anti-osmosis with example.

Hint:

Anti-osmosis is the principle behind RO water purifiers used in homes.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall osmosis.
In osmosis, solvent flows naturally from dilute to concentrated solution across a semipermeable membrane.
Step 2: Applying pressure.
If pressure greater than osmotic pressure is applied on the concentrated side, the natural flow is reversed. Solvent moves from concentrated solution to dilute solution. This is called anti-osmosis or reverse osmosis.
Step 3: Example.
Reverse osmosis is used in water purification, such as desalination of seawater where pure water passes through the membrane leaving salts behind.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, anti-osmosis is reverse osmosis caused by applying external pressure greater than osmotic pressure.