Swelling up of Raisins in Water

When raisins are kept in water, they tend to swell up. This process is classified as osmosis.

What is Osmosis?

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane allows the passage of water molecules but not solute molecules.

Explanation of the Process

When raisins are kept in water, the concentration of water molecules outside the raisins is higher than the concentration of water molecules inside the raisins. This creates a concentration gradient which causes the water molecules to move from outside the raisins to inside the raisins. As a result, the raisins absorb water and swell up.

Importance of Osmosis

Osmosis is an important process in living organisms as it helps in the absorption of water and nutrients. In plants, osmosis helps in the absorption of water and minerals from the soil. In animals, osmosis helps in the absorption of water and nutrients from the digestive system.

Conclusion

The swelling up of raisins in water is a result of osmosis, which is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. Osmosis is an important process in living organisms as it helps in the absorption of water and nutrients.