Question

Imbibition involves
A. Solute potential
B. Gravity potential
C. Matric potential
D. Pressure potential

Answer 1

Hint: Diffusion is the movement of water or ions from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Imbibition is a kind of diffusion in which the water is absorbed by solids.

Complete answer:
When the solids absorb water, they increase in volume and become heavy. Each molecule has a different imbibing capacity. Imbibant are the solids which absorb water. When we soak some seeds in water, they increase in size due to imbibition. The seeds do not have water, that is why they can absorb water. Also, the water potential gradient between the absorbent and the liquid is important for imbibition to take place. Let us analyze the options.

Option A: Solute potential: If any solute is dissolved in water, the water concentration decreases. This lowering of the water concentration by adding solute is solute potential. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option B: Gravity potential: It is the potential energy associated with gravitational force. It is the gravitational potential energy per unit mass. It is denoted by V. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option C: Matric potential: Also known as water potential. It possesses kinetic energy. The more the water , the greater the kinetic energy and thus the greater the water potential. It is denoted by ψ. Imbibition is affected by water potential. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option D: Pressure potential: With the absorption of water, the pressure builds which makes the substance turgid. Pressure potential is positive. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Note: The matric potential gradient should occur between imbibant and imbibe. Increase in temperature results in increased imbibition. There is also a force of attraction between imbibant and imbibed liquid.