Question

multiple choice 10 points
how do the properties of water explain the ability to clean up a spill with a paper towel?
capillary action allows liquid absorption and movement in the paper towel.
cohesion prevents movement in the paper towel.
adhesion prevents liquid absorption.
surface tension causes the spreading of the liquid.

Explanation:

Capillary action is the phenomenon where liquids are drawn into narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity. In the context of a paper towel cleaning up a spill, water molecules are attracted to the paper fibers (adhesion) and to each other (cohesion). These combined forces create capillary action, which allows the water to be absorbed and move through the paper towel. Surface tension would actually resist the spreading in some contexts if not countered properly (but here capillary action is key). Adhesion alone (without cohesion - which is part of what drives the continuous movement in capillary action) and cohesion alone (without adhesion to the paper fibers) wouldn't fully explain the absorption and movement.

Answer:

Capillary action allows liquid absorption and movement in the paper towel.