Question:

Which of the following condition is correct for reverse osmosis?
\[ [C = \text{Concentration of solution in mol L}^{-1}, \; T = \text{Temperature in Kelvin scale}, \; n = \text{number of moles of solute}] \]

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Reverse osmosis occurs only when the applied external pressure exceeds the osmotic pressure of the solution.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • \(P_{\text{ext}} = CRT\)
  • \(P_{\text{ext}} \gt CRT\)
  • \(P_{\text{ext}} \lt CRT\)
  • \(P_{\text{ext}} \gt nRT\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand osmosis.
Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane.
The pressure required to stop this process is called osmotic pressure.

Step 2: Recall osmotic pressure equation.
According to van’t Hoff equation: :contentReference[oaicite:0]index=0 where, \[ \pi = \text{osmotic pressure} \] \[ C = \text{molar concentration} \] \[ R = \text{gas constant} \] \[ T = \text{absolute temperature} \]

Step 3: Understand reverse osmosis.
In reverse osmosis, solvent is forced to move from concentrated solution to dilute solution by applying an external pressure greater than osmotic pressure.
Thus, \[ P_{\text{ext}} \gt \pi \]

Step 4: Substitute osmotic pressure value.
Since, \[ \pi = CRT \] Therefore, \[ P_{\text{ext}} \gt CRT \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct condition for reverse osmosis is: \[ \boxed{P_{\text{ext}} \gt CRT} \]
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