Question

For the sugar solution, the solute potential will be
(a)zero
(b)always positive
(c)always negative
(d)greater than pure water
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Answer 1

For the sugar solution, the solute potential will be greater than pure water. (Option d)

• The solute potential of pure water is 0.
• Adding solute (like sugar) will increase the solute potential and at the same time will decrease the water potential.
• Pure water does not contain any solute and adding solute will increase its solute potential.
• Hence sugar solution will have greater solute potential than pure water.

Answer 2

Answer:

d) For the sugar solution, the solute potential will be greater than pure water.

Explanation:

• When compared to pure water at atmospheric pressure and temperature, water potential is the potential energy of water in a system, a solution, or a live cell.
• It is the sum of the potentials of the solute, pressure, and gravity. Solute potential is the amount by which water potential is reduced due to the presence of a solute.
• The water potential is reduced due to clustering of water molecules around the solute.