Question

Water molecules possess potential energy only.Explain it.

Answer 1

The movement of water in plants cannot be accurately explained in terms of difference and concentration or in any other linear expression. The best way to express the spontaneous movement of water from one region to another is in terms of the difference of free energy of water between two regions.

Free energy is thermodynamic parameters that determine the direction in which physical and chemical changes. The potential energy of water is known as water potential for example water is stored behind a dam.

When the water runs downhill, its potential energy can be converted to electrical energy. This conversion of energy is of water is due to gravity. The other source that provides energy to water is pressure point the increasing pressure increases the free energy thereby increasing water potential.

Water running downhill due to gravity can be made to run uphill by overcoming the water potential by applying pressure. This means that water moves from point, where water potential is greater to the other, where water potential is less. The difference in water potential between two points is a measure of the amount of work or energy needed to move water from one point to another.