Question

Read the following characteristics of a fibre and identify it :

(i) It can be worn close to skin because static electricity does not build up readily.
(ii) Each fibre is made up of $20-30$ layers of coiled cellulose springs.
(iii) It has a moisture-absorbing quality.
(iv) It has a natural twist that makes it suitable for spinning.

• A. Jute
• B. Cotton
• C. Wool
• D. Nylon

Answer 1

The correct option is B Cotton

Static electricity is the collection of electrically charged particles on the surface of a material.

It is because various materials have a tendency of either giving up electrons and becoming positive in charge or attracting electrons and becoming negative in charge.

Human dry skin has a tendency to give electrons and become positively charged after it is rubbed with other materials.

Cotton is neutral in static charge, it does not readily give or attract electrons when brought in contact or rubber with skin.

Thus, cotton can be worn close to the skin and provides comfort. Cotton fibre contains $80-90\%$ of cellulose and each fibre is made up of approximately $20-30$ layers of coiled cellulose springs.

Cotton has a very goods moisture-absorbing quality, that's why cotton clothes are preferred in summers. Cotton fibre has a natural twist.

This property provides it with an uneven surface, which increases inter-fibre friction and enables fine cotton yarns of adequate strength to be spun.

Hence the correct option is B.