Question: 136: Addition of more solutes in a given solution will :
(1) make its water potential zero
(2) not affect the water potential at all
(3) raise its water potential
(4) lower its water potential
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
Water potential is a measure of the free energy of water and determines the direction of water movement.
Pure water has the highest water potential, which is taken as 0.
When solutes are added to water, the free energy of water decreases because solute particles reduce the number of free water molecules.
The solute potential component of water potential becomes more negative with an increase in solute concentration.
As a result, the overall water potential of the solution decreases.
Therefore, addition of more solutes in a given solution will lower its water potential.
Hence, the correct answer is Option (4).