Why does the mass of a potato chip decrease after it is left in a concentrated sugar solution?

The water potential of the concentrated sugar solution is much lower than the water potential inside the cells of the potato chip. Therefore, the water molecules move down a concentration gradient out of the potato cells and into the solution. This causes the chip to shrink because it has lost the mass of water, therefore decreasing its overall mass.

TM
Answered by Tasneem M. Biology tutor

17458 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle from day 1-14 of the cycle.


What is an oxygen debt?


An Enzyme has lost is function, it has become denatured. What can be the cause of denaturation? Why does the enzyme no longer function?


What is a key difference between plants and animals?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning