Question

To which substances was the dialysis tubing permeable?

Answer 1

I think you need to give us more information. Is this a lab question? If so, please provide the materials used.

In general, dialysis tubing is a semi-permeable substance used in labs to demonstrate diffusion. Materials that are smaller than the molecules that make up the dialysis tubing will typically be permitted to move into and out of the tubing based on wherever they are needed.

For example, Say you have a cup of a water and iodine solution and then a dialysis tube containing just water and you place the tube into the cup.

At this moment there is a higher concentration of iodine in the cup and a lower concentration of iodine inside the dialysis tubing (because there is nothing other than water in there).

Over time, the iodine will permeate the dialysis tubing. The molecules of iodine are smaller than the molecules that make up the dialysis tubing and they are able to flow through the tubing and into the clean water that was in the tube.

Hope this helps you understand your question a little better. If not, post specifics and we'll work through it together.