Explain why pouring salt on a slug kills it using terms diffusion , osmosis , hypertonic , hypotonic
When salt is poured on a slug, it causes the slug to die due to a process called osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
In this case, the salt acts as a solute and when it comes in contact with the slug's moist skin, it creates a hypertonic solution. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute compared to the slug's body fluids. This means that the concentration of water molecules outside the slug's body is lower than inside.
As a result, water molecules from the slug's body fluids start moving out through its skin to balance the concentration of the hypertonic solution. This movement of water molecules out of the slug causes dehydration, which is harmful to the slug's cells and vital organ functions.
Furthermore, the high concentration of salt in the hypertonic solution can also damage the slug's cells by disrupting the balance of ions and interfering with various cellular processes.
In summary, pouring salt on a slug creates a hypertonic environment that leads to the movement of water molecules out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and cell damage, ultimately resulting in the slug's death.
Pouring salt on a slug kills it through a process involving diffusion, osmosis, and the concepts of hypertonic and hypotonic solutions.
1. Diffusion: Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This process allows substances to spread out and equalize their concentration.
2. Osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration (hypotonic) to a region of higher solute concentration (hypertonic). It occurs to balance the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane.
When salt is poured on a slug:
1. Hypertonic solution: Salt is a solute, and when it comes into contact with the slug, it creates a hypertonic solution. This means that the concentration of salt outside the slug's cells is higher than inside its cells.
2. Osmosis and water loss: In response to the hypertonic environment, water molecules inside the slug's cells start moving out through osmosis to balance the salt concentration. As a result, the slug loses water and becomes dehydrated.
3. Cell damage: The loss of water causes the slug's cells to shrink and become unable to function properly. Essential cellular processes, such as respiration and metabolism, are disrupted due to the lack of water.
4. Death: Eventually, the dehydrated slug is unable to survive, leading to its death.
In summary, pouring salt on a slug creates a hypertonic environment, causing water to leave the slug's cells through osmosis. This dehydration leads to cell damage and ultimately results in the slug's death.