Question

The osmotic potential (Ψ) of pure water is___ MPa.

• A. -1
• B. 0
• C. 0.1
• D. 10

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The osmotic potential, also known as solute potential, is a measure of the tendency of water to move by osmosis. It is a component of water potential and is affected by the presence of solute particles in a solution.

To understand the osmotic potential of pure water, let's consider the following:

• Osmotic potential is generally considered negative because it is the result of solutes in a solution, which lower the water potential.
• Pure water, by definition, contains no solute particles. Therefore, the osmotic potential of pure water is zero.

Therefore, the correct answer is 0 MPa because pure water has no solute and hence no osmotic potential.

Here's the reasoning for excluding the other options:

• -1: This suggests a negative water potential due to solutes, which does not apply to pure water.
• 0.1: A positive osmotic potential is incorrect as it implies the presence of solutes affecting water potential.
• 10: Such a high value is unrealistic for osmotic potential in any general biological context or pure water.

In summary, the osmotic potential for pure water is 0 because it is not influenced by solute particles, which are absent in pure water.