Osmosis: A macroscopic phenomenon, a microscopic view

S. A. Ben-Sasson, N. B. Grover*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

At present, physical chemistry employs the tools of thermodynamics to treat osmosis across a semipermeable membrane. We propose a model in terms of momentum transfer, the inherent asymmetry of which leads quantitatively to the van't Hoff relationship; qualitatively, the solute molecules can be looked upon as micropumps that suck solvent through the pores in the membrane.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-19
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Advances in Physiology Education
Volume27
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

Keywords

  • Donnan equilibrium
  • Momentum transfer
  • Semipermeable membranes
  • Solute-pore interaction
  • Van't Hoff relationship

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