Related Formula
Mass percentage from mole fraction calculation:
% w/w = (x₁ · M₁)/(x₁ · M₁ + x₂ · M₂) × 100$$\%\text{ w/w} = \frac{x_1 \cdot M_1}{x_1 \cdot M_1 + x_2 \cdot M_2} \times 100$$
Core Logic
Inside the living cell, glucose concentration is 0.9% w/w$0.9\%\text{ w/w}$.
The surrounding solution has equal mole fractions of glucose and water (xglucose = 0.5$x_{\text{glucose}} = 0.5$, xwater = 0.5$x_{\text{water}} = 0.5$).
Let's calculate the mass percentage of the outer solution:
- Mass of glucose component = 0.5 × 180 = 90 g$0.5 \times 180 = 90\mathrm{\ g}$
- Mass of water component = 0.5 × 18 = 9 g$0.5 \times 18 = 9\mathrm{\ g}$
- Total solution mass = 90 + 9 = 99 g$90 + 9 = 99\mathrm{\ g}$
Step 1: Concentration Determination and Osmosis Profile
Outer mass percentage:
% w/w = (90)/(99) × 100 ≈ 90.9%$$\%\text{ w/w} = \frac{90}{99} \times 100 \approx 90.9\%$$
Because the external environment is highly concentrated (hypertonic) compared to the inner cell (0.9%$0.9\%$), water flows out of the cell via exosmosis, causing the cell to shrink.
Note: Because the reasoning establishes shrinkage but the quantitative figures in the options are highly mismatched, this question is officially designated as a Bonus question.
Pattern Recognition
An equal mole fraction solution of a high-molar-mass solute (glucose, 180 g/mol$180\mathrm{\ g/mol}$) and a low-molar-mass solvent (water, 18 g/mol$18\mathrm{\ g/mol}$) is always extremely concentrated by mass. Placing a standard living cell into such a hypertonic solution inevitably causes fluid loss and cellular shrinkage.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Solutions