Explore the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator
See solute and water move across a membrane and find out why water follows the higher concentration. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator?
See solute and water move across a membrane and find out why water follows the higher concentration. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Osmosis and diffusion move nutrients into cells, keep plants firm, and are used in kidney dialysis, food preservation and water purification.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Diffusion moves particles from high to low concentration.
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane toward the side with more solute.
If the solute can cross the membrane, it diffuses until both sides match, and osmosis fades.
Put more solute on the left and watch the water move.
Make the membrane let solute pass.
Balance both sides.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Biology learners
Biology students and teachers who want to explore living systems, populations and genetics interactively and safely.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Make the membrane let solute pass. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?
Diffusion is any movement of particles from high to low concentration. Osmosis is the special case of water moving across a semipermeable membrane.
Which way does water move in osmosis?
Toward the side with the higher solute concentration, which has the lower water concentration.
Is the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Biology group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 3 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator?
1. In the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator, use the controls to change Solute on the left, Solute on the right, Membrane lets solute through?. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator, pick an option such as No (water only), Yes to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator, press "Pause", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Put more solute on the left and watch the water move. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Diffusion moves particles from high to low concentration.
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Try the Diffusion & Osmosis Simulator now
See solute and water move across a membrane and find out why water follows the higher. Free to use.
Try it free