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 a process where a solid substance (imbibent) absorbs water (imbibate), leading to swelling or an increase in volume.

2. **Identifying the Imbibent and Imbibate**: In this context, the imbibent is the solid that absorbs water (e.g., raisins), while the imbibate is the water that is absorbed.

3. **Mechanism of Imbibition**: When the imbibent absorbs water, some water molecules adhere to the surface of the imbibent and some penetrate into the intercellular spaces of the imbibent.

4. **Volume Increase Analysis**: The increase in volume of the imbibent is not equal to the volume of water absorbed. This is because:
- The water that enters the intercellular spaces does not significantly contribute to the overall volume increase.
- Only the water that remains on the surface of the imbibent contributes to the swelling.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the increase in volume of the imbibent is less than the volume of the water that has been imbibed. Thus, the correct answer is that the increase in volume of the imbibent is "less" than the volume of the water absorbed.

**Final Answer**: The increase in volume of the imbibent is less than the volume of the imbibate.

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