Which of the following has the higher water potential ?

Options

A. 1M salt solution
B. 1 M sugar solution
C. Distilled water
D. All have equal water potential

Explanation

To determine which of the following has the higher water potential among the given options, we need to understand the concept of water potential and how solute concentration affects it.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Water Potential**: Water potential (Ψ) is a measure of the potential energy of water in a system. It determines the direction of water movement. Water potential is influenced by solute potential (Ψs) and pressure potential (Ψp). The formula is:
\[ Ψ = Ψs + Ψp \]

2. **Pure Water as a Reference**: Pure water has the highest water potential, which is considered to be 0 MPa (megapascals). This is because it has no solutes, and thus, the concentration of water molecules is at its maximum.

3. **Effect of Solutes**: When solutes are added to water, they decrease the concentration of free water molecules. This results in a decrease in water potential. The more solute particles present, the lower the water potential becomes.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **1 Molar Salt Solution**: Contains solute (salt), which lowers the water potential.
- **1 Molar Sugar Solution**: Also contains solute (sugar), which similarly lowers the water potential.
- **Distilled Water**: This is pure water and has the highest water potential (0 MPa).
- **All Have Equal Water Potential**: This statement is incorrect, as pure water has a higher water potential than any solution with solutes.

5. **Conclusion**: Among the options provided, distilled water has the highest water potential compared to both the 1 molar salt solution and the 1 molar sugar solution.

### Final Answer:
**Distilled water has the highest water potential.**

---