Question

The value of $\psi$S is always?

• A. Positive for pure water
• B. Less for pure water as compared to any solution
• C. Negative for cell sap
• D. Positive for any solution

Answer 1

The correct option is C Negative for cell sap

If some solute is dissolved in pure water, the solution has fewer free water and the concentration of water decreases, reducing its water potential. Hence, all solutions have a lower water potential than pure water. The magnitude of this lowering due to the dissolution of a solute is called solute potential or psi. The more the solute molecules, the more negative is the value solute potential. So the solute potential of a solution is always negative due to the increase in the solute concentration in a solution. Hence, the correct answer is option C, Negative for cell sap.