If some solute is dissolved in pure water, its water potential

Options

A. remains same
B. increases
C. decreases
D. first decreases then increases.

Answer

C

Explanation

The water potential of a solution can be determined using pure water as the standard of reference. The pure water, at atmospheric pressure, has a water potential of zero (0). The presence of solute particles reduces the free energy of water and thus decreases the water potential (negative value). Because of this, the water potential of a solution is always less the zero.