The formula to calculate the colloid osmotic pressure is:
\[ π = R \cdot T \cdot (C₁ - C₂) \]
Where:
Let's say the gas constant (R) is 0.0821, the temperature (T) is 300 K, the concentration in solution 1 (C₁) is 0.5 mol/L, and the concentration in solution 2 (C₂) is 0.2 mol/L. The colloid osmotic pressure would be calculated as follows:
\[ π = 0.0821 \cdot 300 \cdot (0.5 - 0.2) \approx 7.389 \text{ mmHg} \]
So, the colloid osmotic pressure is approximately 7.389 mmHg.
Colloid osmotic pressure, also known as oncotic pressure, is a form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins, primarily albumin, in a blood vessel’s plasma that usually tends to pull water into the circulatory system. It is an essential factor in maintaining the balance of fluid between the blood vessels and the surrounding tissues. When the colloid osmotic pressure is high, it helps to retain fluid within the blood vessels, whereas low colloid osmotic pressure can lead to fluid leakage into the tissues, causing edema.