Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : In expensive scientific instruments, silica gel is kept in watch-glasses or in semipermeable membrane bags
Reason (R) : Silica gel adsorbs moisture from air via adsorption, thus protects the instrument from water corrosion (rusting) and/or prevents malfunctioning.
In the Light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Options

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. (A) is true but (R) is false

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) statements provided:

**Assertion (A)**: In expensive scientific instruments, silica gel is kept in watch-glasses or in semipermeable membrane bags.

**Reason (R)**: Silica gel adsorbs moisture from air via adsorption, thus protects the instrument from water corrosion (rusting) and/or prevents malfunctioning.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Assertion (A)**:
- The assertion states that silica gel is used in expensive scientific instruments and is kept in specific containers (watch-glasses or semipermeable membrane bags).
- This is true because silica gel is commonly used in laboratories and scientific equipment to control humidity.

**Hint**: Think about the role of silica gel in preserving the integrity of sensitive instruments.

2. **Understanding the Reason (R)**:
- The reason explains that silica gel functions by adsorbing moisture from the air, which helps prevent corrosion (rusting) and malfunctioning of the instruments.
- This statement is also true; silica gel is known for its moisture-absorbing properties and is effective in preventing damage caused by humidity.

**Hint**: Consider how moisture can affect electronic or sensitive equipment and why controlling humidity is crucial.

3. **Evaluating the Relationship**:
- Both the assertion and reason are true.
- Additionally, the reason provides a valid explanation for the assertion, as it describes why silica gel is used in scientific instruments.

**Hint**: Reflect on how the reason supports the assertion logically.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion, the correct answer is that both statements are correct and the reason supports the assertion.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **Option 1**: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) explains Assertion (A).