Understanding Assertion and Reason: Rubber Band Properties
This question requires us to evaluate two statements: Assertion (A) and Reason (R), related to the classification of a rubber band as a solid.
Analyzing Assertion (A): Rubber Band Elasticity
Assertion (A) states: "A rubber band is a solid because it regains its original shape when the stretching force is removed."
- A rubber band demonstrates elasticity, meaning it can deform under stress (stretching) and return to its original shape once the stress is removed.
- Materials that possess a definite shape and volume, and resist changes in shape, are characteristic of the solid state.
- The ability to regain its original shape is a key property that supports classifying an object like a rubber band as a solid, despite its ability to stretch considerably.
- Therefore, Assertion (A) is considered true.
Analyzing Reason (R): Defining Solid Properties
Reason (R) states: "Solids are rigid and have negligible compressibility."
- Rigidity is the property of resisting deformation; solids generally maintain their shape unless subjected to forces beyond their structural integrity.
- Negligible compressibility means that the volume of a solid does not decrease significantly when pressure is applied.
- These are fundamental, widely accepted defining characteristics of the solid state of matter.
- Therefore, Reason (R) is also true.
Connecting Assertion (A) and Reason (R)
The next step is to determine if Reason (R) provides the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
- Assertion (A) uses the specific phenomenon of regaining shape (elasticity) to justify why a rubber band is a solid.
- Reason (R) describes general, inherent properties of solids – rigidity and low compressibility.
- While the elasticity observed in the rubber band (mentioned in A) stems from its underlying solid structure, which inherently possesses rigidity and low compressibility (mentioned in R), Reason (R) does not directly explain the *mechanism* of regaining shape itself. It states the fundamental properties of the state.
- Essentially, the rubber band is a solid *because* it has properties like rigidity and low compressibility (R), and one way it *demonstrates* this solid nature is by regaining its shape after stretching (A). However, R doesn't explain the *specific act* of regaining shape as described in A.
- Thus, both statements are factually correct, but R serves as a general description of solids rather than a direct explanation for the specific elastic behavior highlighted in A.
Conclusion
Based on this analysis:
- Assertion (A) is true.
- Reason (R) is true.
- Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
This leads to the conclusion that both statements are true, but R does not correctly explain A.