Saline is a solution that contains a certain amount of NaCl and is designed to have the same osmotic pressure as normal blood cells. Doctors often give saline to patients who have lost blood. Which of the following explains why glucose of the same molality cannot attain the same effect as saline?

Osmotic pressure depends on the concentration of dissolved particles. NaCl separates into sodium and chloride ions in water, producing about two particles per formula unit, while glucose dissolves as intact molecules and produces one particle per molecule. At the same molality, glucose therefore creates a lower osmotic pressure than saline. A is correct: it explains why glucose would not provide the same osmotic effect.

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