What process describes the passage of a solvent from a solution of lesser solute concentration to one of greater concentration through a semipermeable membrane?

The process that describes the passage of a solvent from a solution of lesser solute concentration to one of greater concentration through a semipermeable membrane is osmosis. This phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in solute concentrations on either side of the membrane, leading to the movement of water— the solvent— in an effort to equalize the solute concentrations.

Osmosis is a fundamental concept in biological and chemical systems, particularly in the movement of water across cell membranes. The semipermeable nature of the membrane allows the solvent to pass through while preventing the solute from doing so, thus demonstrating how cells maintain homeostasis by regulating their internal environments.

In contrast, dilution refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution, typically by adding more solvent, rather than the specific movement of solvent across a membrane. Diffusion describes the movement of solute particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which does not specifically involve a membrane or the movement of solvent. Filtration involves the physical separation of particles from a fluid using a filter, which is also distinct from the osmotic process of solvent movement through a membrane.