Diffusion & Osmosis
Contents Types of Solutions Based on Solute Concentration

The terms hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic are used to compare solutions relative to their solute concentrations.


In the illustration to the right, the solution in the bag contains less solute than the solution in the beaker. The solution in the bag is hypotonic (lower solute concentration) to the solution in the beaker. The solution in the beaker is hypertonic (higher solute concentration) to the one in the bag. Water will move from the hypotonic solution into the hypertonic solution.

Hypertonic/hypotonic solutions


In this illustration the two solutions are equal in their solute concentrations. We say that they are isotonic to each other.
A beaker with isotonic solution

Will there be a net movement of water between two isotonic solutions?

Yes No

Continue to Water Potential.