Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Electrochemical potential is always exhibited by electrically neutral solutes in soil.
Statement II: Electrostatic potential exhibited by charged as well as non-charged solutes in soil.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Electrically neutral (non-charged) solutes are only affected by chemical potential (concentration gradients). Only charged solutes (ions) are affected by electrostatic and electrochemical potentials.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The movement and chemical behavior of solutes in soil are governed by thermodynamic potentials.
These potentials include chemical, electrostatic, and electrochemical potentials.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement I: Electrically neutral solutes do not carry a net electrical charge. As a result, they do not interact with electrical fields or soil surface charges. Their energy state and movement are driven solely by concentration gradients (chemical potential), not electrical gradients. Thus, they do not exhibit electrochemical potential, making Statement I false.
- Statement II: Electrostatic potential refers to the potential energy of a charged particle in an electric field (such as the field generated by negatively charged clay minerals). This force only acts on charged ions (cations and anions), attracting or repelling them. It does not affect non-charged, neutral solutes. Thus, Statement II is false.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are false, corresponding to Option (B).