Question

Define Imbibition.

Answer 1

Hint: Imbibition is a type of diffusion which is defined as absorption of water by solids-colloids causing an increase in volume. For eg. the uptake of water by a plant or seed.

Complete answer:
In this question, we have asked about Imbibition. As we already defined that Imbibition is a type of diffusion which is defined as absorption of water by solids-colloids causing an increase in volume. Specifically, the uptake of water by a seed or dry wood. Let's understand the process of imbibition by an example. As we see in rainy seasons wooden doors swell up. Wood is part of a tree so it regularly takes water from roots. So, its cells are full of water but when the tree is cut and the wood milled, the cells slowly dry out and shrink. When these woods are exposed to rain, the cells reabsorb water from the moist air by the process of imbibition. Seedlings also occur in this way. When we sow a seed, it takes water present into the soil and swells up and hydrates the enzymes. This water creates pressure on the walls of the seed, which is called imbibition pressure, due to which the wall rupture and the radical comes out and seed germination occurs.

Factor affecting the rate of Imbibition
- Nature of imbibant
- Temperature: The rate of imbibition increases with the increase in temperature.
- Concentration of the solute: Increase in concentration of the solute decreases inhibition.
- Surface area of imbibant: The imbibition will be greater with large imbibant is large

Note: Imbibition is a very important process, Like root takes water by imbibition. Seed germination is initiated by imbibition. 3. Fruits retain water by imbibition.