Which statement correctly contrasts the two phenomena syneresis and imbibition?

Which statement correctly contrasts the two phenomena syneresis and imbibition?

• A. Syneresis and imbibition both involve water uptake.
• B. Syneresis and imbibition both involve water loss.
• C. Syneresis involves swelling; imbibition involves shrinking.
• D. Syneresis involves water loss and shrinkage; imbibition involves water uptake and swelling

Answer: (D)

Water movement in gels is the key idea. Syneresis is when a gel contracts and squeezes out liquid, so the material loses water and shrinks. Imbibition is the opposite: the material absorbs water from its surroundings, leading to swelling. So the correct contrast is that syneresis involves water loss and shrinkage, while imbibition involves water uptake and swelling. The other statements don’t fit because they either claim both processes involve water uptake, both involve water loss, or swap swelling and shrinking.

Water movement in gels is the key idea. Syneresis is when a gel contracts and squeezes out liquid, so the material loses water and shrinks. Imbibition is the opposite: the material absorbs water from its surroundings, leading to swelling. So the correct contrast is that syneresis involves water loss and shrinkage, while imbibition involves water uptake and swelling. The other statements don’t fit because they either claim both processes involve water uptake, both involve water loss, or swap swelling and shrinking.