title: Osmosis: a macroscopic phenomenon, a microscopic view.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Hubert H. Humphrey Center for Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ben-Sasson
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Grover
mesh_terms: D008954:Models, Biological; D009995:Osmosis / Q000502:physiology*