Can you pls. explain how imbibition takes place in a block of wood?

Question

We had an experiment where we soaked blocks of wood in water and kerosene in separate beakers. After 20 minutes, the dimensions of the wood (length, width and height) remained the same, but it gained weight (as for each set-up). Can you please help me explain this phenomenon using the concept of imbibition; including the whole thing about cohesion and adhesion of water molecules? Please and thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Wood blocks absorbing water is no doubt is imbibition.Imbibition is the diffusion of water molecules through any dead wall,.This is evident in case of dry seeds absorbing water.
Adhesion is the attachment of water molecules to the cell wall.Cohesion is the attachment of water molecules with in them selves to make a water column. IN water absorption process, these two forces act and conduct water in up ward way against gravity.
the same thing applies to wood blocks also , offcourse they are immersed here
The same thing happens in the wood block,of course are immersed in water
These water molecules are bonded with in them selves by cohesive forces and they are attached to xylem wall by adhesive forces to form a water column in side xylem vessels
.Because of these forces the water travels to the tip of very tall trees and of course to the branches also

Answer 2

you know how a marinade works? same thing