The process by which water is absorbed by solid like colloids causing them to increase in volume is

Options

A. plasmolysis
B. Diffusion
C. Osmosis
D. Imbibition

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the process by which water is absorbed by solid-like colloids, leading to an increase in volume.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**:
- **Colloids**: These are substances that consist of microscopically dispersed insoluble particles.
- **Absorption**: This refers to the process of taking in a substance.
- **Increase in Volume**: This indicates that the solid-like colloid expands as it absorbs water.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Plasmolysis**: This is the process where a cell loses water in a hypertonic solution, leading to the shrinkage of protoplasm. This does not relate to absorption by colloids.
- **Diffusion**: This is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It does not specifically involve water absorption by colloids.
- **Osmosis**: This is the movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. While it involves water movement, it does not specifically describe the absorption by solid-like colloids.
- **Imbibation**: This is the process where water is absorbed by colloidal substances, causing them to swell and increase in volume.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **imbibation**, as it specifically refers to the absorption of water by solid-like colloids, leading to an increase in their volume.

**Final Answer**: The process by which water is absorbed by solid-like colloids causing them to increase in volume is **imbibation**.

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