When solute is mixed in solution , the water potential of the solution

Options

A. Increase
B. Decreases
C. First increase and the decreases
D. No change occurs

Answer

To solve the question regarding the effect of mixing a solute in a solution on the water potential, we can break it down step by step:

### 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. It is expressed in units of pressure (usually megapascals, MPa).
- Pure water has a water potential of 0 MPa.

2. **Effect of Solute on Water Potential**:
- When a solute is added to pure water, the solute molecules occupy space and reduce the number of free water molecules available. This results in a decrease in water potential.
- The presence of solute lowers the water potential because it introduces solute potential (Ψs), which is always negative or zero. The more solute added, the more negative the solute potential becomes.

3. **Adding More Solute**:
- If additional solute is mixed into the solution, the concentration of solute increases, leading to a further decrease in water potential.
- The water potential of the solution will continue to decrease as more solute is added, moving further into negative values.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, when a solute is mixed into a solution, the water potential of that solution decreases.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is that the water potential of the solution will **decrease** when solute is mixed in.

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