Question

Write down the differences between diffusion and osmosis.

Answer 1

Diffusion	Osmosis
1. Diffusion can occur in any medium	1. It occurs only in liquid medium.
2. The diffusing molecules may be solids, liquids or gases	2. It involves movement of solvent molecules only.
3. Semipermeable membrane is not required.	3. Semipermeable membrane is required
4. It is dependent upon the free energy of the molecules of diffusing substance only ; presence of other substances in the system is of no importance	4. Though it is the diffusion of solvent molecules only, yet influenced by the presence of other substances (solutes) in the system.
5. An equilibrium in the free energy of diffusion molecules is achieved in the system.	5. Equilibrium in the free energy of solvent molecules is never achieved.