Question

Pre-lab questions 1. what is the water potential of an open beaker containing pure water?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer would be zero.

Water potential measures the tendency of water to move from one area to another.

It is denoted by the symbol ψ.

It is determined by two main factors:

Solute potential (ψs):  It is determined by solute concentration.

Pressure potential (ψp): The pressure exerted on a solution. It can be negative or positive.

ψ = ψs + ψp

Thus, in an open container, the water potential of pure water would be zero as pure water does not contain any solute (that is, ψs = 0) and pressure potential is zero (ψp = 0) in an open container.

Answer 2

Water potential of an open beaker having pure water is zero.

Further Explanation:

The process by which water molecules moves across the membrane is known as the osmosis. During this process the water molecules moves from higher to the lower concentration gradient.

Water potential can be termed as the potential of water or the ability of water molecules to move across the cell. It is denoted by ψ.

The water potential depends on two factor:

1. Solute potential

2. Pressure potential.

Solute potential decreases as the solute concentration increases. The decrease in the solute concentration results in decrease in the water potential. It can be referred to as the pressure that when exerted to a solution stops the inward flow of water across the membrane of cell. Solute decreases the water potential by using the potential energy present in water.

Pressure potential represents the hydrostatic pressure applied by water in a cell. In a turgid cell the pressure potential is positive.

The pure water has the zero water potential. So the open beaker having pure water has zero water potential.

The difference in water potential of the cell leads to movement of water molecules in the xylem.

Learn more:

1. Learn more about cell brainly.com/question/4493579

2. Learn more about water brainly.com/question/1550328

3. Learn more about plants brainly.com/question/862697

Answer Details:

Grade: College biology

Subject: Biology

Chapter: Transport of water

Keywords:

Water, membrane, osmosis, concentration gradient, Solute potential, Pressure potential, solution, water potential, hydrostatic pressure, turgid cell, xylem, potential energy.