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permeable

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Secondary Information

Definition

Permeability is the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it. The more permeable a material is, the easier it is for fluids to flow through it. Permeability is important in many different areas, such as geology, engineering, and biology.

How can the word be used?

The soil was permeable, so the water quickly drained away.

permeable

Different forms of the word

Adjective:

  • permeable (able to be passed through by fluids or gases).
  • permeability (the degree to which something is permeable).

Etymology

The word "permeable" is derived from the Latin word "permeabilis", which means "capable of being passed through". The first recorded use of the word "permeable" in English was in the 17th century.

Question

What things can be permeable?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of permeability in the context of materials and their ability to allow substances to pass through. Provide examples of permeable and impermeable materials, and discuss the factors that influence permeability.

Answer:

Permeability refers to the property of a material that determines its ability to allow substances to pass through it. Different materials exhibit varying degrees of permeability, impacting their interaction with liquids or gases. For instance, a permeable material, like a sponge, can absorb and let liquids pass through due to its porous structure. In contrast, an impermeable material, like plastic wrap, doesn't allow substances to pass through easily due to its dense and non-porous nature.

Factors influencing permeability include the size of the material's pores, the type of substance involved, and the material's thickness. Larger pores generally result in higher permeability, while smaller pores or a dense structure lead to lower permeability. Moreover, the nature of the substances trying to pass through matters—water may permeate through a material more easily than oil due to differences in molecular size and compatibility.

Permeability is relevant in various applications. Geologists, for instance, study the permeability of rock formations to understand groundwater flow. Engineers use permeable materials in filters to remove contaminants from liquids. Understanding permeability aids in designing materials and structures tailored to specific needs, ensuring effective separation and interaction with substances.