Cotton fibres dipped in water absorb water through

Options

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

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks how cotton fibers absorb water when they are dipped in it. We need to identify the correct process among the given options: endosmosis, exosmosis, capillarity, and imbibation.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Endosmosis**: This is the movement of solvent from outside to inside a cell. It typically occurs in living cells when they are placed in a hypotonic solution.
- **Exosmosis**: This is the opposite of endosmosis, where the solvent moves from inside the cell to the outside. This also occurs in living cells.
- **Capillarity**: This refers to the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. It is driven by surface tension and adhesion.
- **Imbibation**: This is the absorption of water by solids, leading to swelling. It is commonly seen in seeds and dry materials.

3. **Identifying the Correct Process**:
- Cotton fibers are composed of cellulose, which has the ability to absorb water due to its porous structure. When cotton fibers are dipped in water, water rises through them due to capillary action.
- Capillarity is the most appropriate term here, as it describes how the water moves through the narrow spaces in the cotton fibers.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **capillarity**.

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