What is the name of the process when water moves through a semipermeable membrane?

The correct answer is osmosis, which specifically refers to the movement of water through a semipermeable membrane. This process occurs when water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. The semipermeable membrane allows the passage of water while restricting the movement of solute particles, thereby balancing the concentration on both sides of the membrane. This is crucial in biological systems, as it helps regulate fluid balance in cells and tissues.

In terms of context, diffusion refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which can apply to various substances, but it is not limited to water or semipermeable membranes. Vaporization is the process of turning a liquid into vapor, while condensation is the conversion of vapor back into liquid form. Neither of these processes involves the selective permeability characteristic of osmosis. Thus, osmosis is distinct because of its specific relationship to water and membranes.