Understanding Osmosis: Why Did the Potato Slice Become Limp?

Explanation of Osmosis Process

Shaquan placed a potato slice in a salt water solution and observed that the slice of potato became limp after some time. This phenomenon can be explained by the process called osmosis.

The potato, like many other living organisms, is made up of tiny units called cells. These cells have semipermeable membranes, which means they allow certain substances, like water, to pass through while blocking others. When the potato slice was immersed in the salt water, the water concentration inside and outside the potato cells was different.

Since the salt water outside the potato cell was saltier than the water inside, water molecules moved out of the potato cells to balance the concentration. This movement of water from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is known as osmosis.

As the water left the potato cell, it caused the cell to shrink and the potato slice to become limp. The loss of water from the potato to its surroundings is similar to letting the air out of a balloon, resulting in a decrease in turgor pressure and the limpness of the potato slice.

Hope this explanation helps!

Why did the potato slice become limp when placed in salt water?

The limpness of the potato slice occurred due to the process of osmosis. When the potato was immersed in salt water, the water moved out of the potato cells to equalize the water concentration inside and outside the cells, resulting in the loss of water and the limpness of the potato slice.