# A potato chip is placed in a dilute salt solution. After 30 minutes, the chip feels firm and has increased in mass. Explain why the potato chip increased in mass.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 3.2 Osmosis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Water moves into the potato cells by osmosis
2. The potato cells have a lower water concentration / higher solute concentration than the surrounding solution
3. Water moves down a concentration gradient / from a region of high water concentration to low water concentration
4. The cells become turgid, increasing the overall mass of the chip

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-potato-chip-is-placed-in-9e255185) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.