Dry wooden stakes in cracks of a rock and soaked will develop pressure that wil split the rock. The phenomenon is

Options

A. Osmotic pressure
B. Imbibition
C. Turgor pressure
D. Deplasmolysis

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Scenario**: The question describes dry wooden stakes placed in the cracks of a rock. When these stakes absorb water, they swell and create pressure that can lead to the splitting of the rock.

2. **Identifying the Process**: The process by which the wooden stakes absorb water and swell is known as imbibition. Imbibition is the uptake of water by a solid or colloid, causing it to swell.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Osmotic Pressure**: This refers to the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to solute concentration differences. It is not directly related to the swelling of wood.
- **Imbibition**: This is the correct answer as it describes the absorption of water by the wooden stakes, leading to their swelling and the pressure exerted on the rock.
- **Turgor Pressure**: This is the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall in plant cells, which helps maintain structure but is not applicable in this scenario.
- **Deplasmolysis**: This refers to the process of restoring the turgor pressure in plant cells after they have lost water. It is not relevant to the swelling of wood in cracks.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is **imbibition**, as it directly relates to the phenomenon described.

**Final Answer**: The phenomenon is **imbibition**.

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