Osmosis+and+Diffusion+Lab


 * Osmosis and Diffusion Lab**

__Introduction__ The goal of this activity was to find out how the mass of potato cores changes when they are placed in sucrose solutions with different concentrations. We put the potato cores in sucrose solutions with concentration of 0, .2, .4, .6, .8, 1.0. We measured that mass of potato cores before and after they were placed in the sucrose solutions. Then we calculated the mass change in percentage and compared it with those of other groups. Photos below shows how this lab was carried:



__Evaluation__ **3) What I learned :** In this lab activity, I learned that the mass of potato cores decreases when the concentration of sucrose solution exceeds the water potential of potato cores. I got to fully understand the idea that the water moves from the place where the concentration is higher to the area where the concentration is lower. Also, I realized that water can move in both ways; from inside of the potato cells to the outside, and vice versa.
 * 1) Things that went well :** This lab experiment went relatively smooth since we worked as a group of four, and the work we had to do was simple and easy. Also, the lab didn’t take much time, so we faced less obstructions. Cutting potato cores into same size, pouring sucrose solution, and labeling the cups were successful.
 * 2) Things that didn't go well :** However, when it came to handle the potato cores and dry them, we had to be very careful so that the cores are not damaged and affect the results of the experiment.
 * 4) What will I change next time :** If I have another chance to carry out this experiment later, I would try to handle the potato cores so that they wouldn’t affect the experiment. Also, I would make sure that the cups are placed in the identical environment to get accurate data. Since the data was shared between other groups, I realized that the identical environment is a crucial controlled variable. I believe some differences of the x-intercept between the groups were caused by different environment where the experiment was carried. Therefore, I would assure that the experiment is carried under identical conditions so that the results can be more accurate.