Osmosis. I am going to do this experiment by placing potato chips into different concentrations of salt solution and measuring their change in mass.

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Osmosis Coursework

Investigation:        To find out the concentration of solutes in the cytoplasm of plant cells

Aim:                        To find out how much salt there is in a piece of potato

        I am going to do this experiment by placing potato chips into different concentrations of salt solution and measuring their change in mass. This will show me how much osmosis is taking place in the different concentrations of salt solutions.

        

Chemicals and apparatus:

12 potato chips of equal dimensions

Salt solution

Distilled water

4 beakers

Measuring cylinders (50cl)

Electronic scales

Knife

Paper towels

Variables:

Independent        -The independent variable in this experiment is the concentration f the salt solution because this will effect how the mass of the potato chips changes. I will be using 4 different concentrations of salt solution.

Dependent        -The independent variable in this experiment is the change in mass of the potato chips because this will be affected by the concentration of the salt solution.

Controlled        -The amount of time that the potato chips are left in the salt solution for, because if some of the chips are left in the salt solution for longer than others then they will have more time for osmosis to take place and it would therefore be an unfair test. I am going to leave my chips in the salt solution for 52 hours.

                -The volume of salt solution used because this may effect how the mass of the potato chips changes. I will be using 50cl for all of the salt solutions.

                -the dimensions of the potato chips, they must all be kept approximately the same size and shape so that the surface area is almost the same for each chip, also, none of the chips must have any skin on them as this will effect the osmosis.

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Safety:

  • Wear safety goggles at all times
  • Use the knife very carefully as it may be hazardous to yourself or people around you

Minimize the risks by working independently and in your own space, do not get too crowded.

Method:

  1. Cut a potato into 12 equally sized chips without any skin

  1. Accurately measure the weights of all 12 chips and mark them so that you know which one is which.

  1. Measure out 50cl of each of the following concentrations of the salt solution using salt solution and ...

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