Osmosis
Osmosis is the process of moving solvent molecules from a low solute concentration area to a high solute concentration area through a semipermeable membrane. Eventually, an equilibrium between the two sides of the semipermeable membrane is formed (equal solute concentration on both sides of the semipermeable membrane). Because the semipermeable barrier only allows solvent molecules to pass through, no solute particles can pass through.
Note: Osmosis is discovered and named by the French physiologist Henri Dutrochet. He also invented osmometer, a device used to measure osmotic pressure.
Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more particles having particle sizes smaller than one nanometer. Sugar and salt solutions in water, as well as soda water, are common examples of solutions. In a solution, all of the components appear as a single phase. There is particle homogeneity, which means that the particles are evenly dispersed. This is why a full bottle of soft drink tastes the same.
The component that dissolves the other component is known as the solvent. Solute refers to the component(s) that are dissolved in the solvent (s). In general, the solvent is present in greater proportion than the solute. The solute amount is less than the solvent amount. Solutes and solvents can exist in every state of matter, including solids, liquids, and gases. A liquid solution is composed of a solid, liquid, or gas dissolved in a liquid solvent. Solid and gaseous solutions are represented by alloys and air, respectively.