Osmosis: a microcomputer laboratory teacher.

A computer simulation of osmotic processes has been developed. Several experimental setups are graphically simulated and may be freely selected by the user. The simulation analyzes the basic factors which determine the osmotic pressure and volume flow of a solution (e.g. concentration, temperature, activity coefficient, Staverman's coefficient and external pressure). The program was written in Turbo Pascal to operate in IBM-PCs or compatibles. High quality graphical display of results maintains the students' interest. A user's guide and continuous help for the available options simplify its use. Computer simulation seems to be a very well suited aid for teaching osmotic phenomena, improving both theoretical knowledge and the ability of the students to empirically demonstrate some of the basic laws of osmotic phenomena.