Question

The difference between a dye and a pigment is that a dye:
A. Is held to the surface of the fibre by a resin
B. Is an inorganic chemical that permeates fibres
C. Usually diffuses into the interior of a fibre from a water solution
D. Lays on the surface of the fibre

Answer 1

Basic knowledge about dyes and pigments is required for answering this question.

Complete step by step answer:
For finding the difference between dye and pigment we need to know both. Starting with dye, it is a coloured substance that chemically bonds to the substrate to which it is being applied to. The dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution and may require mordant to improve the fastness of dye on fibre. On the other hand pigment is also a coloured substance but is completely or nearly insoluble in water. But dyes are soluble in water. Another difference is that dyes are organic and pigments are inorganic compounds. So, the main difference between them is that dyes diffuse into the fibre from a water solution but pigments do not diffuse or are soluble in water. This makes them different.

**Therefore the correct option is C.

Additional Information: **
Dyes are of many types like acid dyes, basic dyes, direct or substantive dyes, mordant dyes, vat, reactive, disperse, azoic, sulphur and also food dyes. These different types of dyes are used in productions of different products. Also, are used especially for paints for artists, cars and light reflecting signs. Chlorophyll present in plants is also an example of pigment.

Note:
Both dyes and pigments have different applications and therefore it is important to remember the differences and similarities between them.