Which sponge absorbs more water

When you squeeze the sponge you are forcing the water out of the holes in the sponge. A damp sponge will absorb more water than a dry sponge as water molecules are highly attracted to one another. Little Bins for Little Hands has an investigation where they find out which materials absorb water.

This dinosaur waterproofing investigation is another fun way to find out which materials absorb water, although the idea here is to find materials which repel water instead! Find out which materials absorb oil in this water clean up activity. Science Sparks Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult.

Depending upon the exact type that you are using now, you may be able to switch to an alternative that offers ten times the absorption ability while remaining more durable and versatile at the same time. When you are able to suck up more liquid, and hold it in, you reduce the effort needed to perform whatever task you are working on, and you also reduce time needed, and possible problems in the process.

The key to functionality when speaking of sponges, is a little scientific concept known as surface tension. All of those nooks, crannies and holes are not just for looks, and they are actually integral to how this tool works. The increased surface tension created by this inner structure will actually draw in moisture and cause it to cling to the surface of the sponge, and then absorb into the material.

For this reason, it is both the structure of the tool, and the material it is made from that will create the overall absorbency of any given sponge. In general, the more holes there are, the more surface area there is, and therefore, the more moisture the sponge can hold. Certain materials can alter this logic, but for most sponges out there, this will be the case.

When dry, these holes are larger and more rigid, but as the block begins to saturate, the holes will shrink as the rest of the sponge swells. A dry sponge allows water to flow in quickly, but will also cause more water to escape due to the big holes.

As the holes shrink, the water has a more difficult time leaving due to the narrowed passageways, but it will also begin sticking to the other water molecules as well.

This is why a wet sponge will soak up more water than a dry one. The holes of a sponge act as absorption points as well as storage areas, and when water begins to enter, it will both cling to the vast surface area as well as absorb into the material. If you compared the cheap sponge you use in your kitchen to that of a natural sea sponge, you would probably find that the sea sponge is more absorbent. Lower quality materials, thin construction, and lack of advanced design will render many synthetics inferior to their natural counterpart.

Most synthetic versions you are familiar with are made from cellulose or polyurethane foam, and are formed into rectangular blocks that mostly get used for cleaning.

Natural varieties are mostly used for bathing or auto detailing due to their large size, and gentle touch, while synthetic ones get used mostly for soaking spills, light cleaning and other similar work. When you compare the two, man made ones are usually more abrasive, and typically come in smaller uniform shapes. Which ones dry slowly? Relate sponges soaking up water to our skin getting wet when we take a bath or go swimming. What do we use to dry off afterwards?

Related Resources Wet and Dry In this unit designed for kindergarten classrooms, children participate in activities about wet and dry materials. These experiments explore evaporation,…. Gadgets and Contraptions In this unit designed for kindergarten classrooms, students will participate in activities dealing with machines, including ramps, pulleys, levers and…. Wonderful Water What are the physical and chemical properties of water that make it so unique and necessary for living things?

We believe that now, more than ever, the world needs people who care about science. So when you place a wet sponge against a wet surface, the water will jump to bind with the water that is already in the sponge, increasing the sponge's soaking abilities. This article was written by a professional writer, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page: link below.

By Contributor Updated July 21, Writer Bio This article was written by a professional writer, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd.