Question

Cotton fibres dipped in water absorb water through

• A. Endosmosis
• B. Exosmosis
• C. Capillarity
• D. Imbibition

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Capillarity

(A) Endosmosis is the movement of solution from outside the cell to the inside of the cell.

(B) Exosmosis the movement of solution from inside of the cell to the outside of the cell. Cotton fibers do not contain any solution so there is no diffusion as a result of which there is no condition of exosmosis and endosmosis.

(C) Capillarity is the property of a liquid in a capillary to rise and fall due to surface tension. Cotton fibers are like fine threads and they are able to absorb water and water raises by capillary action when they are dipped in water.

(D) Imbibition is the diffusion of the solution by solids. Cotton fibers are not perfect solids so there is no imbibition.

So, the correct option is 'Capillarity'.