Water Potential Simulation
Osmosis across a semipermeable membrane
Concentration: 100 mmol/L
Concentration: 50 mmol/L
Pressure: 0 kPa
ΨA = -0.24 MPa
ΨB = -0.12 MPa
Net flow: A → B
Water Potential (A)
-0.24
Megapascals (MPa)
Water Potential (B)
-0.12
Megapascals (MPa)
Flow Rate
0.12
μL/s
Understanding Water Potential
Water potential (Ψ) is the potential energy of water per unit volume relative to pure water. It determines the direction of water movement and is affected by:
- Solute potential (Ψs): Decreases with increasing solute concentration (more negative)
- Pressure potential (Ψp): Increases with physical pressure (positive)
Key principles:
- Water moves from regions of higher water potential to lower water potential
- Adding solute reduces water potential (more negative)
- Applying pressure increases water potential
- The net flow rate depends on the water potential difference
This simulation shows how solute concentration and pressure affect water movement across a semipermeable membrane (osmosis).