Osmotic Pressure Statement Analysis

This question requires evaluating four statements about osmotic pressure and identifying the correct ones.

Statement Analysis

• Statement (A): Correct. Osmotic pressure is a colligative property, meaning it depends on the number of solute particles. For large molecules like proteins, where determining molar mass by other methods can be challenging, osmotic pressure measurement provides a reliable way to calculate molar mass using the relation $\Pi = \frac{CRT}{M}$, where M is the molar mass.
• Statement (B): Correct. According to the Van't Hoff equation, osmotic pressure ($\Pi$) is directly proportional to the molar concentration (molarity, M) of the solute, temperature (T), and the van't Hoff factor (i), represented as $\Pi = iMRT$. When other factors are constant, $\Pi \propto M$.
• Statement (C): Correct. Osmosis is the net movement of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration. Reverse osmosis is achieved by applying an external pressure to the more concentrated solution that exceeds the osmotic pressure. This forces the solvent molecules to move from the concentrated side to the less concentrated side.
• Statement (D): Correct. Edema is the swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in the body's tissues. Osmosis plays a critical role in regulating fluid balance. When the osmotic pressure within tissue cells or interstitial spaces increases (e.g., due to high solute concentration or low plasma protein levels), water moves into these areas via osmosis, leading to retention of water and swelling.

Conclusion

All four statements (A), (B), (C), and (D) are accurate descriptions related to osmotic pressure and its applications or consequences.

Therefore, the correct option includes all statements.

Correct Statements: (A), (B), (C), and (D)