Question

When we boil tulsi leaves in water, the water acquires a characteristic smell from the leaves because the ;
A) Smell of leaves diffuse in water.
B) Leaves melt in water.
C) Stored wastes in the leaves dissolve in water.
D) Leaves pollute water.

Answer 1

Smell is characteristic of some elements present in a substance. When these particles dissolve in water, the water acquires a characteristic smell. It is the consistency that makes the olfactory sensation perceptible to something. Without indication of consistency or character, smell includes only the sensation.

Complete step by step answer:
There are mainly three states of matter according to science and these are solid, liquid and gaseous states. These are classified on the basis of arrangement of particles in the matter. In solid state, the particles will be closely packed and in liquid, it will be loosely packed compared to that of solid. In a gaseous state, the particles are free to move randomly unless they are compressed using external pressure or something.
We can see that salt or sugar dissolves in water and this is because of the fact that the particles of sugar occupy the space in between the particles of water which are loosely packed and have spaces in between them. This is the reason why we are experiencing the taste of sugar or salt when we drink the water after dissolving it in water.
The same reason can be stated here also. Many plants use their leaves as storage space for many substances they produce. The leaves of tulsi contain compounds like eugenol, methyl eugenol etc. When we boil tulsi leaves in water, these substances get dissolved in water or occupy the sites present in between the water molecules. Thus, we experience a characteristic smell from the leaves.

So, the correct answer is Option C.

Additional Information:
Tulsi is also known as Indian Holy Basil. It is a plant of high medicinal value and is considered as holy due to religious practices.

Note: One substance dissolves in the other only if there is space between the particles of one compound. This property is mainly shown by liquids and gases. Water is called a universal solvent as most of the substances dissolve in water.