Osmosis in Potato

Aim: To see the effect of different concentrations of salt solutions on

potato.

Hypothesis: In hypotonic solutions, osmosis will move water into

the potato, whilst in hypertonic solutions, osmosis will move water
out of the potato.

Apparatus: Potato, distilled water, salt, spoon, 4 plastic cups, knife

for cutting the potatoes, marker, ruler, paper tape

Risk Assessment:

Risk Safe Practice

Cuts from knife, broken glass or Care using sharp objects
knife
Slips from spills Clean up any spilt liquids
immediately

Variables:
1. Fixed variables - keep the volume of solution and time the same
for each experiment
2. Independent variable - change the concentration of solution
3. Dependent variable - measure firmness, length and mass

Method:
1. Use the knife to cut 3 cylinders of potato, taking care with
fingers.
2. Trim the potato cylinders to the same length.
3. Measure the length of each cylinder and test its firmness by
gently bending it.
4. Label the plastic cups: water, 1 tsp salt, 3 tsp. salt, 5 tsp. salt and
place 20 ml of the correct solution into each cup.
5. Place a potato cylinder in each solution, leave for 30 minutes.
6. Blot potato dry, then measure length and firmness.
Results: Table to show effect of different concentrations of solutions
on potato cylinders

Before Experiment After experiment

Solution Firmness Length Mass (g) Firmness Length Mass (g)
(cm) (cm)
Distilled Soft, 3 cm
water hard
when
bend a
little
1 tsp. salt 3 cm 2 cm

3 tsp. salt 3 cm

5 tsp. salt 3 cm

Observations

Record any observations here

Calculations:

% change in length = (change in length / starting length) X 100

Solution change in % change in change in % change in

length (cm) length mass (g) mass
Distilled
water
1 tsp. salt 2 cm

3 tsp. salt

5 tsp. salt

Discussion:

Write a discussion which describes the results and any

patterns/trends observed. Note any anomalies.
Link the results to the theory of osmosis.
Discuss any errors or limitations in the method and suggest
improvements for each one.

Conclusion:
Write a brief conclusion restating the aim and then outline if the
results supported the hypothesis.