Chapter 14, Problem 67E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Approximate pressure required in the reverse osmosis should be determined.

Concept introduction:

Osmosis is the diffusion of a fluid via a semi permeable membrane. When solution is separated by a semi permeable membrane, only solvent molecules can go through the membrane. The osmotic pressure of a solution is defined as the pressure difference required stopping this flow of solvent across the semi permeable membrane. The osmotic pressure is given by,

$\pi =\frac{nRT}{V}$

p − osmotic pressure

n − number of moles

R − universal gas constant

T − absolute temperature

V − volume

When osmosis process is subjected to hydrostatic pressure greater than the osmotic pressure in the opposite direction, osmosis occurs in the reverse direction. This is called reverse osmosis.