Osmosis: a macroscopic phenomenon, a microscopic view.
At present, physical chemistry employs the tools of thermodynamics to treat osmosis across a semipermeable membrane. We propose a model in terms of momentum transfer, the inherent asymmetry of which leads quantitatively to the van't Hoff relationship; qualitatively, the solute molecules can be looked upon as micropumps that suck solvent through the pores in the membrane.
Ben-Sasson
S A
SA
Hubert H. Humphrey Center for Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Grover
N B
NB
D008954:Models, Biological; D009995:Osmosis / Q000502:physiology*