Does it make sense to use these terms to describe inherent properties of a solution, or do they only apply when comparing concentration?
2007-03-24 08:37:26 · 7 answers · asked by ogunro a 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
These are all relative terms. Iso = same. Hypo = less. Hyper = more. These must all be in comparison to another solution.
2007-03-24 08:44:52 · answer #1 · answered by Erik S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The prefix "iso" necessitates relativity. A solution that might seem relatively dilute, or hypotonic to one solution might in fact be hypertonic or concentrated to another. The terms "dilute" and "concentrated" are also both relative terms when discussing a solution, as there is no threshold that makes a solution dilute or concentrated.
2007-03-24 16:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by d_tobert07 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
isotonic refers to a solution that has equal amounts of solute ( say kool aid) and a eual amount of solvent (water) so there is no net movement by diffusion from one solution to the next, in a sense it's at equilibrium a balance.
hypotnic refers to a solution that has more solvent than solute so there would be diffusion of the solute into that of the solvent.
hypertonic refers to a solution that has more solvent than solute and so the same will happen, in a sense all these solutions are trying to reach equilibrium.
2007-03-24 16:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by trudian s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Correct to above - you wouldnt know what a solution was in these terms unless you compared it to another solution. For example - a solution could be hypertonic to one solution and that same solution could be hypo tonic to another.
remember - water always flows from po to per. just had to add that!
2007-03-24 15:57:29 · answer #4 · answered by glazeddonut27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only when comparing. a solution cannot simply be isotonic, hypotonic or hypertonic. think of it as equal to, less than and more than; you have to say what its being compared to.
2007-03-24 22:19:47 · answer #5 · answered by levi52291 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
a solution is a combition of a solute and solvent
so the only isotonic liquid is water
2007-03-28 10:51:24 · answer #6 · answered by ~*tigger*~ ** 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would think you could apply it to a content in a solution generally, but know that if you are asking someone who is pre-nursing (me) or a health related major would compare what you are talking about to a hypo/hyper and isotonic solution
2007-03-24 17:18:18 · answer #7 · answered by daysha87_05 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋