If some solute is dissolved in pure water, its water potential _____________.
A
Remains samez
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B
Increases
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C
Decreases
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D
First decreases then increases
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Solution
The correct option is B Decreases The water potential of a solution can be determined using pure water as the standard of reference. The pure water, at atmospheric pressure, has a water potential of zero(0). The addition of solute particles reduces the free energy of water and thus decreases the water potential(negative value). Because of this, the water potential of a solution is always less than zero.