Imbibition MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers

• It is a special type of diffusion through which water is absorbed by certain substances like colloids, making them increase in volume.
• The classical example of imbibition is absorption of water by seeds and dry woods.
• The water is actually adsorbed first on the surface of the substances.
• An adsorbent is necessary for the process of imbibition.
• For any substance to imbibe any liquid, the affinity between the adsorbent and the liquid is also a prerequisite.
• For example, the rubber will not show imbibition when placed in water but when the wood is placed in water, the imbibition will occur.
• The diffusion pressure of adsorbent/dry material is zero.
• A diffusion pressure gradient is developed when a dry material comes in contact with water.
• Imbibition pressure is used for germination of seeds.
• Proteins are efficient imbibants, followed by starch. Cellulose shows the least imbibing property.
• Proteinaceous seeds swell more on imbibition as compared to starchy seeds.
• The first step in the process of water absorption by the root hair cells is imbibition.

Imbibition Pressure

• The process of imbibition causes an increase in the volume of the imbibant.
• The increased volume of the imbibant produces a pressure called the imbibition pressure.

Steps during Imbibition

• The process of imbibition involves the following three steps:
  • 1. Adsorption
  • 2. Capillary action
  • 3. Diffusion