The water potential increases due to

Options

A. addition of solutes
B. pressure
C. guttation
D. condensation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Water Potential**: Water potential (Ψ) is a measure of the potential energy of water in a system and is influenced by solute concentration and pressure. The formula for water potential is given by:
\[ Ψ = Ψ_s + Ψ_p \]
where Ψ_s is the solute potential and Ψ_p is the pressure potential.

2. **Effect of Solute Concentration**: When solutes are added to a solution, the solute potential (Ψ_s) becomes more negative. This means that the overall water potential (Ψ) decreases because the negative solute potential reduces the total value of water potential.

3. **Effect of Pressure**: Conversely, increasing the pressure potential (Ψ_p) will increase the water potential (Ψ). This is because a higher pressure can push water molecules closer together, thus increasing their potential energy.

4. **Temperature Influence**: Temperature can also affect water potential indirectly. Higher temperatures can increase the kinetic energy of water molecules, which may lead to increased pressure potential in certain contexts, such as in the case of transpiration in plants.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, water potential increases primarily due to an increase in pressure potential. The addition of solutes decreases water potential, while an increase in pressure increases it.

**Final Answer**: The water potential increases due to an increase in pressure.

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