What is Absorption?

Absorption is when something takes in another thing, like how a sponge soaks up water.

Imagine you have a sponge and you put it in the bathroom sink. When you press it into the water, it gets all wet, that's because the sponge is absorbing the water. The water moves into the sponge, making it heavier and squishier.

Like a Sponge in the Sink

Think of your favorite socks after a bath. They’re all soggy because they’ve absorbed the water from the tub. Just like the sponge, your socks are taking in the water, only this time, it’s your feet that feel the difference!

Absorption can happen with many things: paper towels soak up spills, your skin soaks up sunlight (which helps you grow), and even your favorite drink gets absorbed by your body when you sip it.

So next time you see a sponge in water or your socks after a bath, remember, that’s absorption at work!

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Examples

  1. Your skin absorbs sunlight, which helps you make vitamin D.
  2. A sponge absorbs water when you put it in the sink.
  3. Coffee can absorb heat from a hot cup.

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