Imbibition is always accompanied by swelling or increase in the volume of the imbibant . However , the increase in the volume of the imbibant is

Options

A. more than the volume of water imbibed
B. same as the volume of the water imbibed
C. less than the volume of the water imbibed
D. it depends upon the type of imbibant

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Imbibition**: Imbibition is the process by which seeds or plant tissues absorb water, leading to swelling. This process is crucial for seed germination and plant growth.

2. **Volume Increase**: When an imbibant (such as a seed) absorbs water, it swells. The question asks about the relationship between the increase in the volume of the imbibant and the volume of water it absorbs.

3. **Types of Imbibants**: The increase in volume of the imbibant can vary based on the type of material. Different materials have different capacities to absorb water.

4. **Comparing Volumes**: The increase in volume of the imbibant can be:
- More than the volume of water absorbed
- Equal to the volume of water absorbed
- Less than the volume of water absorbed

5. **Conclusion**: In most cases, the increase in the volume of the imbibant is less than the volume of water absorbed. This is because the water molecules occupy the interspaces between the particles of the imbibant rather than adding to its volume in a one-to-one ratio.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the increase in the volume of the imbibant is **less than the volume of the water imbibed**. This corresponds to option C.

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