Questions and Answers
What is water potential?
Water potential is a measure of the potential energy in water and the difference between the potential in a given water sample and pure water.
What is the formula for calculating water potential?
Ψ = ΨS + ΨP
What happens to water potential when a solute is dissolved in water?
Water potential is measured in ________.
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How does water potential affect osmosis?
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Which component directly lowers water potential?
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Study Notes
Water Potential
- Represents the potential energy of water and its difference compared to pure water.
- Formula: Ψsystem = Ψtotal = Ψs + Ψp + Ψg + Ψm.
Water Potential Formula
- Water potential (Ψ) is calculated by combining osmotic potential (ΨS) and pressure potential (ΨP).
- Formula: Ψ = ΨS + ΨP.
- Osmotic potential is proportional to solute concentration.
Low Water Potential
- Solutions with solute have lower (more negative) water potential than pure water.
- Dissolved solute reduces water molecules' tendency to diffuse away, contributing to lower water potential.
Factors Affecting Water Potential
- Adding solute decreases water potential.
- Water movement into a rigid cell raises pressure potential, increasing overall water potential.
- Key components: solute concentration and pressure.
Water Potential and Osmosis
- Water moves from areas of high water potential to low water potential via osmosis.
- Osmosis involves the diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane.
Measurement of Water Potential
- Denoted by the Greek letter ψ (psi).
- Measured in megapascals (MPa), a unit of pressure.
- Pure water has a water potential value of zero, disregarding its potential energy.
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Description
Explore key concepts of water potential with these flashcards. Learn about the definition, its importance, and the formula associated with water potential. Perfect for students studying biology and related fields.
