Question

Choose the correct option from the following options-

The practice of breaking rocks during the rainy season by inserting wooden pegs in them is based on the phenomenon of-

• A. Imbibition pressure
• B. Turgor pressure
• C. Osmotic pressure
• D. Wall pressure

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Imbibition pressure

The correct option is A
Explanation for the correct option

1. Imbibition is a type of diffusion in which water is adsorbed inside the solid surface which results in an increase in the volume of the solid. Here the solid substances are known as imbibant and the absorbed liquid is known as imbibate.
2. The pressure exerted by the imbibant after the process of imbibition is known as imbibition pressure.
3. When wooden pegs are inserted into the rocks, the pegs (imbibant) absorb the rainwater ( imbibate) and develop an imbibition pressure develops that results in the breaking of the rocks.

Explanation for incorrect options

Option B

1. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fluid on the cell membrane of any living cell is called turgor pressure. It is seen in plants and prevents the wilting of leaves.

Option C

1. Osmotic pressure is the pressure developed by the diffusion of a liquid through a membrane. Transportation of water and nutrients from the roots to all the plant parts is facilitated by osmotic pressure.

Option D

1. The pressure exerted by the cell wall on the contents of the living cell is called wall pressure and it is the opposite of turgor pressure. It prevents wilting of plant leaves thereby giving them a healthy appearance.

Final answer

The practice of breaking rocks during the rainy season by inserting wooden pegs in them is based on the phenomenon of imbibition pressure.