Which property of water allows a paper towel to pick up a puddle of water?

• A. Adhesion
• B. Surface tension
• C. Cohesion
• D. High specific heat

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the properties of water: Water has unique characteristics such as adhesion, cohesion, surface tension, and high specific heat, which are due to its polar nature and hydrogen bonding.
2. Define adhesion: Adhesion refers to the ability of water molecules to stick to other surfaces or substances, such as the fibers in a paper towel.
3. Explain how adhesion works in this context: When a paper towel comes into contact with water, the water molecules adhere to the cellulose fibers in the paper towel due to hydrogen bonding.
4. Differentiate adhesion from cohesion: Cohesion is the property of water molecules sticking to each other, while adhesion involves water molecules sticking to other materials. In this case, adhesion is responsible for the water being absorbed by the paper towel.
5. Conclude the reasoning: The property of adhesion allows the paper towel to pick up the puddle of water by enabling water molecules to bond with the fibers in the towel, effectively absorbing the liquid.