Q39
1 markMCQSection B

If W1W_1 is the initial mass of raisins and W2W_2 is the final mass after soaking in water, then the percentage of water absorbed by the raisins is

Life Processes
Osmosis in Raisins

Options

(A)W1W2W1×100\frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1} \times 100
(B)W2W1W2×100\frac{W_2 - W_1}{W_2} \times 100
(C)W2W1W1×100\frac{W_2 - W_1}{W_1} \times 100
(D)W1W2W2×100\frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_2} \times 100
Official Answer

The correct option is C: W2W1W1×100\frac{W_2 - W_1}{W_1} \times 100.

percentage of water absorbedinitial massfinal massendosmosis

Marking Scheme

  • 11 Mark for identifying the correct formula: W2W1W1×100\frac{W_2 - W_1}{W_1} \times 100.

Hint

Calculate the change in mass first (final mass minus initial mass) and then find what percentage this change is of the original dry mass.

Quick Oral Answer

The process by which raisins absorb water is called endosmosis. The cell membrane of the raisin cells acts as a semi-permeable membrane.

Analysis & Explanation

The initial mass of the dry raisins is W1W_1. After soaking in water, the raisins absorb water via endosmosis, and their final mass becomes W2W_2. The mass of water absorbed by the raisins is the difference between the final and initial mass, which is (W2W1)(W_2 - W_1). To find the percentage of water absorbed, this mass of absorbed water is divided by the initial dry mass (W1W_1) and multiplied by 100. Therefore, the formula is W2W1W1×100\frac{W_2 - W_1}{W_1} \times 100.


  • Option A is incorrect because it subtracts the final mass from the initial mass, which would yield a negative value since W2>W1W_2 > W_1.
  • Option B is incorrect because it calculates the percentage absorption relative to the final wet mass (W2W_2) instead of the initial dry mass (W1W_1).
  • Option D is incorrect because it combines both errors: it subtracts the final mass from the initial mass and divides by the final mass.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Dividing by the final mass (W2W_2) instead of the initial dry mass (W1W_1).
  2. 2Subtracting W2W_2 from W1W_1, resulting in a negative value.

Interesting Facts

This experiment demonstrates endosmosis, where water moves from a region of higher water concentration (outside) to lower water concentration (inside the raisin cells) through the semi-permeable cell membrane.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Life Processes" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Osmosis in Raisins" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.