How does osmotic pressure arise?
Osmotic pressure is the pressure that must be applied to a solution to stop net solvent flow across a semipermeable membrane.
Molecular process and core principles
If the membrane passes solvent but retains solute, solvent moves toward chemical-potential balance. In dilute solution the pressure relates to particle count and temperature.
Evidence, applications and limits
Reverse osmosis uses greater external pressure to drive water away from the concentrated side. Cell tonicity also depends on membrane permeability and solute identity. Comparisons can be misleading unless temperature, pressure, concentration and sample purity are stated.
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