Question

Does pure water have the greatest water potential?

Answer 1

Water potential:

1. Water potential is defined as the difference between the free energy contained in a system's water and the free energy of pure water at constant temperature and pressure.
2. It can also be defined as a measure of how readily water molecules can travel in a given environment or system.
3. It is measured in kilopascals (kPa) and is denoted by the Greek letter Psi.
4. The tendency of water to migrate from one region of the cell to the other is quantified by water potential.
5. At standard temperature and pressure, pure water's water potential is always assumed to be zero.
6. It is explained in terms of the kinetic energy of water molecules when water is liquid, its molecules move quickly and consistently.
7. Pure water contains the greatest number of water molecules as a result, it has the greatest water potential.
8. When the solute has been added to the solution; its water potential will decrease.