Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The greater the concentration of water in a system, lower is its kinetic energy or water potential
Statement (II): Pure water will have the lowest water potential
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
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Remember that pure water has \(\psi_w = 0\) (the maximum possible value). Adding any solute always lowers this value, making \(\psi_w\) negative. Therefore, solute-filled cells always have negative water potentials.
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option isB
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Water potential (\(\psi_w\)) is a measure of the free energy of water in a system, which determines the direction of water movement. It is influenced by solute concentration, pressure, and gravity. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement (I): Water molecules possess kinetic energy. In a liquid state, they are in constant, rapid motion.
The greater the concentration of water in a system, the higher the number of water molecules, and consequently, the greater the aggregate kinetic energy and thehigher the water potential.
Since the statement claims that a higher water concentration results in a lower kinetic energy or water potential, Statement (I) isincorrect.
Statement (II): By international convention, the water potential of pure water at standard temperature and pressure is defined aszero (\(\psi_w = 0\)).
When solutes are dissolved in pure water, the concentration of free water molecules decreases, lowering the free energy and water potential below zero (making it negative).
Therefore, pure water has thehighest possible water potential, not the lowest. Thus, Statement (II) isincorrect.
Since both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect, Option (B) is the correct choice. Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct option is (B).
