2006-08-21 17:36:26 · 5 answers · asked by miledi111 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Someone here mentioned "capillary action". That is correct. There is also osmosis which is a form of diffusion involving liquid that allows water to be soaked into the paper towel while dirt remains on the outside, but this is probably more descriptive of a water filter or something..
2006-08-21 18:41:18 · answer #1 · answered by narcissisticguy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From the fibers in the paper towel.
2006-08-21 17:41:29 · answer #2 · answered by countrychic2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
water loves to molest the paper towel
2006-08-21 17:44:08 · answer #3 · answered by penguin 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's all about surface tension and a thing called 'capillary action'. Look them up in any good, undergraduate physics book or physical chemistry (P-chem) text.
Doug
2006-08-21 17:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
absorbs
2006-08-21 17:41:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋