Question

A test tube filled with previously moistened Bengal gram seeds and water was closed tightly and kept in a corner. The test tube broke suddenly after a few hours. The phenomenon involved is _____.

• A. diffusion
• B. osmosis
• C. imbibition
• D. capillary action

Answer 1

The correct option is C

imbibition

The phenomenon involved here is imbibition. Imbibition is a special type of diffusion, where water is absorbed by solids-colloid, causing an enormous increase in volume and pressure. Here, the Bengal gram seeds swell up imbibing water and the test tube being tightly sealed causes the test tube to break, to accommodate the immense increase in pressure.