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.

Answered by Tasneem M. Biology tutor

12678 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does the equation for photosynthesis (6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2) have 6 of each molecule?


What is Osmosis?


What are the neuron types involved in a simple reflex arc?


What is Natural Selection?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences