Question

Water potential gradient between the absorbent and the liquid imbibed is essential for imbibition. In addition, for any substance to imbibe any liquid, one of the following is also a pre-requisite

• A. Affinity between adsorbent and the liquid.
• B. Molecular density of adsorbent.
• C. Concentration of adsorbent
• D. Pressure potential of the absorbant

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Affinity between adsorbent and the liquid.

Three necessary conditions for imbibition are:

1. A water potential gradient should exist between the adsorbent and liquid.

2. The adsorbent and liquid should have an affinity for each other.

3. Increase in temperature causes the imbibition rate to increase.

Molecular density, concentration, pressure potential do not affect the rates of imbibition.

So the correct answer is 'Affinity between the adsorbent and the liquid'.