What process is represented by allowing irregularly shaped objects to slide down a mountain on a sled?

The correct interpretation of the process represented by allowing irregularly shaped objects to slide down a mountain on a sled is that it symbolizes facilitated diffusion. This analogy illustrates the idea of movement down a gradient, much like substances moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration in facilitated diffusion.

Facilitated diffusion involves the assistance of specific transport proteins to move molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy. In this analogy, the sled acts as the transport protein that helps the irregularly shaped objects (representing larger or charged molecules) move smoothly down a slope (the concentration gradient). The path down the mountain is analogous to the cell membrane that allows for this movement along the gradient.

Other options do not accurately depict this concept: active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, simple diffusion refers to the passive spread of molecules without assistance, and osmosis specifically deals with the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. These concepts do not align with the analogy of objects sliding down a mountain, as they involve different mechanisms and conditions.