Question

_____________ is the amount of moisture a material will absorb relative to ambient temperature and humidity conditions.

(a) Lyophilization

(b) Hygroscopic action

(c) Hydrophobic action

(d) Hydrophilic action

The question was asked in an international level competition.

Enquiry is from Drying in section Drying of Food Processing Unit Operations

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) Hygroscopic action

For explanation I would say: Hygroscopic action is the amount of moisture a material will absorb with respect to the temperature and humidity conditions. Due to hydroscopic action, the sample will continuously increase/ decrease in weight.