fiveworlds Posted November 5, 2014 Posted November 5, 2014 Explain the difference between a hypertonic and a hypotonic solution. -2
John Cuthber Posted November 5, 2014 Posted November 5, 2014 Explain the difference between a hypertonic and a hypotonic solution. Why? 1
fiveworlds Posted November 6, 2014 Author Posted November 6, 2014 (edited) Why? because if you read and learned the difference you would know that the body prefers water to be isotonic. That is neither hyper- nor hypo- tonic by having the same salt concentration as the body's cells. If water is too cold it doesn't absorb solutes too well so tends towards hypotonicity. Ie it causes water to diffuse out of the cell. Too warm and the water tends towards hypertonicity which is the opposite. Water flows into the cell causing it to expand. Needless to say both circumstances are bad for the body especially if you are sick. Basic bio's example is fairly accurate athletes shouldn't drink cold water after sports for exactly these reasons because after exercise the bad effects can be exaggerated. Edited November 6, 2014 by fiveworlds -1
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