Concept:
During solidification, metals contract in volume. If not compensated, shrinkage cavities form.
Step 1: Understand shrinkage mechanism.
When molten metal cools:
• liquid contracts first
• then solidification shrinkage occurs
Step 2: Role of riser.
A riser acts as a reservoir of molten metal that feeds the casting during solidification shrinkage.
• compensates volume loss
• ensures sound casting
Step 3: Why other options are wrong.
• Runner → metal flow channel
• Sprue → vertical entry channel
• Gate → entry into mould cavity
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{Riser}}
\]