Imbibition is one type of diffusion that features
absorption of water by the solids similar to the process of formation of
colloids. The absorption of water makes the solids to enhance their volumes.
The typical examples for imbibition are water absorption by seeds and water
absorption by the dry wood. The wood swells and the pressure that is generated
by the swollen wood is utilized by the man in the pre-historic period to break
the boulders and rocks. It is also understood that the pressure created due to
imbibition is responsible for the seedling development from the soil. The
seedlings will not be able to come out into the environment and adjust to it in
the absence of the imbibition pressure.
Imbibition can also be compared with diffusion as the movement
of water occurs towards the concentration gradient. The seeds which do not
possess water inside will be able to absorb water as there is a water potential
gradient between the seed and the water. The proper affinity that exists between
the absorbing substance and the liquid that is absorbed will determine the
intensity of imbibition.
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