Question

Solute potential of a solution is always

• A. = 0
• B. < 0
• C. > 0
• D. Between 0.1 - 1.0

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

< 0

The solute potential is also known as osmotic potential can be represented by Ψs. It is one of the components of water potential. When the addition of solute in water results in the decrease in the amount of free energy of water molecules, this is called solute potential. Pure water's solute potential is zero because it does not contain any amount of solute in the water. Increase in the number of solute results in the decrease in the water potential, and therefore solute potential is always negative. The water potential of all other solutions is lower than zero, i.e, negative. As a result of this water potential of a solution drops and water will contribute to moving into the solution which causes water potential to decreases.

So, the correct answer is option B.