What term describes the process where one material absorbs another like a sponge?

The correct term for the process where one material absorbs another like a sponge is absorption. In this process, a substance is taken up by another material, typically in a liquid state, resulting in the absorbed material becoming an integral part of the absorbing material.

For instance, when a sponge is placed in water, it soaks up the water, which illustrates absorption. This concept is crucial in many industries, particularly in hazardous materials management, where understanding how different substances interact can dictate safety protocols and cleanup efforts.

In contrast, adsorption refers to the process where molecules adhere to the surface of a solid or a liquid rather than being absorbed by it, which is not what the question describes. Concentration and dilution relate to the amount of a substance in a solution and do not pertain to the absorption-like interaction of materials. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why absorption is the appropriate choice in this context.