Osmosis
Investigate how water moves in and out of potato cells when placed in solutions of different concentrations.
Check your understanding with these quick common questions. Use the drop down boxes to see the correct answers.
Control:
Dependent:
Independent:
Independent: concentration of sugar/salt solution.
Dependent: change in mass/length of potato.
Control: same potato type, time left, volume of solution
Balance (for mass), ruler, sugar/salt solutions.
Dry potato before weighing to ensure results are valid.
Use same thickness chips, repeat and calculate mean.
Improve accuracy by drying to measure true change in mass. Use a pan balance with more decimal places.
In dilute solution, potato gains mass (water enters). In concentrated solution, potato loses mass.
Cut equal-sized potato chips using ruler
Weigh or measure them with pan balance
Place into solutions of different concentration of salt.
Leave for set time (at least 10 minutes)
Remove, blot dry, reweigh.
Compare percentage mass change.