Question

The highest water potential (capacity to move out to higher concentrated solution ) is that of

(a) Pure water (b) 10% salt solution

(c) Honey (d) 50% sugar solution

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Pure water.


The water potential of pure water in a container is zero.

Water potential = Solute potential + Pressure potential

Pure water has no solute particles so the solute potential is zero and it is not under any external pressure (other than atmospheric pressure), so pressure potential is also zero. Hence water potential of pure water at standard temperature, which is not under any pressure, is taken to be zero.