Question

what is solute potential and water potential?

Answer 1

Water potential is the measure of relative tendency of water to move from one region of higher water concentration to another region of lower water concentration through diffusion. It is denoted by Ψ.

Solute potential is the potential of solution that enable the water to enter the solution by diffusion or osmosis due to presence of the solute material. The solute potential is also known as the osmotic potential. Osmotic potential and osmotic pressure are equal and opposite in direction. Since, osmotic potential is opposite in direction, it has a negative sign.