Final answer:
Higher osmolarity will cause red blood cells to shrink and become deformed, while lower osmolarity will cause them to swell and burst.
Step-by-step explanation:
When red blood cells are placed in a solution with a higher osmolarity, such as a concentrated salt solution, the rate of flow of water out of the cells will be greater than the rate of flow into the cells. This causes the cells to shrink and become deformed, making it difficult for them to function properly. On the other hand, when red blood cells are placed in a solution with a lower osmolarity, such as distilled water, the rate of flow of water into the cells will be greater than the rate of flow out of the cells. This causes the cells to swell and eventually burst.