Water potential `(Psi)` of a solution is always

Options

A. `+ve `
B. ` -Ve`
C. zero
D. Variable

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Water Potential**: Water potential (Ψ) is a measure of the potential energy in water and its ability to move from one area to another. It is influenced by the concentration of solutes and the pressure exerted on the water.

2. **Water Potential of Pure Water**: The water potential of pure water is defined as zero (Ψ = 0). This is because pure water has the maximum number of free water molecules, which possess high kinetic energy.

3. **Effect of Solutes on Water Potential**: When solutes are added to pure water, the number of free water molecules decreases. This results in a decrease in water potential, as solutes bind with water molecules and reduce their availability to move freely.

4. **Negative Water Potential**: As more solute is added to the solution, the water potential continues to decrease, eventually becoming negative. This is because the presence of solutes lowers the potential energy of the water.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the water potential of a solution is always negative when solutes are present. The maximum water potential (Ψ) is zero, and any solution with solutes will have a water potential less than zero.

### Final Answer:
The water potential (Ψ) of a solution is always negative.

---