Properties of Solutions- Model of Osmotic Pressure

Model of Osmotic Pressure

In the first photo, black beans and lentils are separated by a screen inside a plexiglass container with a lid. In the second photo, the beans and lentils are mixed on the left side of the screen, and the lentils are on the right side of the screen.

Description: Lentils and beans are used to represent molecules of two different sizes. The screen between them is small enough only to let the lentils through to the other side. Initially the “fluid” levels are equal. Shaking the container mixes the two “molecules” together.   Soon, the “fluid” levels are different on the two sides of the screen.

Source: Journal of Chemical Education – Vol. 76

Year: 1999  Vol: 76  Page: 64

Keywords: Lentils,  Fluid levels, Osmosis, Membrane

Rating:

Hazard: Low

  • Model or simulation

Effectiveness: Average

  • Mild effects are seen by audience
  • Good reliability
  • Time to results is low
  • Good connection from demo to course material

Difficulty: Low

  • Simple manipulations for most to perform
  • Simple procedures

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required

Class: Simulations, Properties of Solutions, Equilibrium of Chemical Systems, Osmosis

Division: General, Physical Chemistry