Final answer:
The water potential of zucchini slices in sucrose solution using pressure potential values. Without additional data on solute concentrations, precise calculations for each option are not feasible. Generally, water moves from higher to lower water potential in plant systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the water potential (Psi) or psi) of the zucchini slices, you can use the formula:
Psi = Pi + rho gh
where:
- (Pi) is the osmotic potential,
- (rho) is the density of water (assumed to be 1 g/mL),
- (g) is the acceleration due to gravity,
- (h) is the height of the solution above the point where the water potential is being measured.
However, in this case, the problem only provides the percent change, and it doesn't give values for density, gravity, or height. Therefore, we can assume that these values are either not needed for the calculation or are constant and cancel out when comparing different scenarios.
The percent change in mass can be used to determine the osmotic potential (Pi):
Percent Change = Final Mass} - Initial Mass / Initial Mass x 100
Since water potential is usually measured in pressure units (atmospheres), you can convert the percent change in mass to pressure by considering that 1 atm of pressure is roughly equivalent to 27.2 mm of water. The conversion factor is:
1 atm = 27.2 mm H₂O
Now, let's compare the given options:
a) -1.234 atm
b) 0.567 atm
c) -0.890 atm
d) 1.345 atm
Choose the option that is closest to the calculated water potential based on the percent change in mass. If none of the provided options is close, it's possible that additional information or constants are needed for a more accurate calculation.