solute potential and pressure potential

Question 1

What is solute potential (Ψₛ)?

Answer 1

Solute potential is the component of water potential that changes when solutes dissolve in water, reducing its potential energy (negative value).

Question 2

How does the pressure potential (Ψₚ) affect water potential?

Answer 2

Pressure potential changes the potential energy of water based on hydrostatic pressure; higher pressure increases potential energy, and it can be positive or negative.

Question 3

What is the equation for water potential (Ψ)?

Answer 3

Water potential is the sum of solute potential and pressure potential:
Ψ = Ψₛ + Ψₚ

Question 4

How does pressure potential affect water’s potential energy?

Answer 4

The higher the pressure, the more potential energy water has. Pressure potential can be negative or positive.