osmosis

can anyone here simply define the process of osmosis (without using google)?

a couple books i have define it as:
a process of passive transport of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a hypertonic to a hypotonic solution until the water molecules are isotonic (equal concentration).

the net says something like:
low->high through a semi-permeable membrane

and some even say the high->low isn't fixed, meaning it could be low->high
hmm i'm confused. should i stick with my books definition?

It's nature's attempt to attain the lowest possible energy state.

This state is when there is no difference in concentration (of H2O) between either side of the membrane.

water diffusing through a semipermeable membrane.

any other words are detail.

I've had the phrase "Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a semipermeable membrane." in my fucking head for six years now.  I'm not even sure what it means.

>> 1
you're almost right

>> 2
another interpretation, but i think it won't make Anonymous get it.
 
>> 3
dumb piece of shit.

>> 4
read below


osmosis is a the process as you describe, where the NET diffusion is from the hypotonic to the hypertonic solution through a semipermeable membrane (this means a membrane through which water can diffuse but not the ionic species, which are the other reason for the osmotic pressure). Since this is a chemical equilibrium reaction the process goes both ways(= water diffuses from the hypertonic to the hypotonic AND vice versa), but as stated in the above the NET diffusion is from the hypertonic (higher concentration) to the hypotonic(lower concentration) side of the membrane).

bonus info: osmosis is from the greek work for 'push' hence it's treatment as a difference in pressure in thermodynamics.

CORRECTION TO THE POST ABOVE: [...]the NET diffusion is from the hypotonic (lower concentration) to the hypertonic(higher concentration) side of the membrane).

>>5
You're right but you suck at teaching.  Obviously, the guy has definitions, but doesn't understand them.

Basically, water molecules can pass both ways through a semipermeable membrane.  And they do... but when there is a difference in concentration across the membrane, there is going to be more water molecules going through one way than the other.

More water will pass through to the side of high concentration.  The end result will be that it dilutes that side, lowering the concentration.  Water will continue to do that, but the rate at which it does so will get slower and slower until the concentrations on both sides of the membrane are equal.  At that point, the rate of water passing the membrane is the same going both directions. 

The word pirahna, is all I can think of that rhymes with marijuana

Marijuana MUST be legalized.