Differences between Imbibition and Osmosis!
Imbibition:
1. It refers to absorption of solvent or water by a solid substance.
2. Semi-permeable membrane has no role to play in imbibition.
3. As a result of imbibition, a solution is not formed.
4. Heat is generated during imbibition.
5. A very high imbibition pressure up to 1000 atm. may develop during imbibition.
6. Colloidal particles are required for imbibition.
Osmosis:
1. Osmosis involves the movement of water or solvent from its higher chemical potential to lower chemical potential.
2. It takes place through a semipermeable membrane.
3. It operates between two solutions, separated by a semipermeable membrane.
4. Heat is not generated.
5. A comparatively lower (up to 100 atm.) pressure (viz., osmotic pressure) develops during osmosis.
6. Osmosis requires the presence of solute particles.