Why is solute potential always negative? Explain $\Psi_{w} = \Psi_{s} + \Psi_{p}$.

(N/A) $\Rightarrow$ When any solute is dissolved in pure water,the number of free water molecules decreases,and the concentration of water decreases,which lowers its water potential.
$\Rightarrow$ Therefore,the water potential of any solution is always less than that of pure water (which is $0$).
$\Rightarrow$ The magnitude of this lowering in water potential due to the dissolution of a solute is known as solute potential or $\Psi_{s}$. Since the addition of solute reduces the free energy of water,$\Psi_{s}$ is always negative.
$\Rightarrow$ The relationship is given by the equation: $\Psi_{w} = \Psi_{s} + \Psi_{p}$,where:
$\Psi_{w} = \text{Water potential}$
$\Psi_{s} = \text{Solute potential}$
$\Psi_{p} = \text{Pressure potential}$