Restorative & Materials · single question
When an alginate impression is left exposed and loses water through exudation/evaporation, it shrinks/distorts by a process called:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Syneresis
- A. Imbibition is the OPPOSITE—water uptake (swelling) when alginate sits in water.
- B. Correct. Syneresis is the loss of water (as exudate/evaporation) from the gel, causing shrinkage and distortion; pour promptly.
- C. Polymerization is the setting reaction of resins, not water loss in a hydrocolloid.
- D. Sublimation is a solid-to-gas phase change, not relevant here.
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