What term describes the movement of a liquid through the pores of a material?

The movement of a liquid through the pores of a material is best described as capillary action. This phenomenon occurs due to the adhesive force between the liquid and the surface of the material, as well as the cohesive forces within the liquid itself. In capillary action, when a liquid such as water comes into contact with a solid material, the liquid can rise or fall in the small spaces or pores of that material.

This process is particularly important in the context of building materials, as it can greatly influence how moisture moves through structures during water damage incidents and drying processes. Understanding capillary action is crucial for professionals in the field, as it affects the rate at which materials can absorb and release moisture.

While absorption refers to the process where one substance takes in another, such as a sponge soaking up water, it does not specifically address the movement through small pores. Moisture diffusion is the movement of moisture molecules from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration, which differs from the liquid movement mechanism described in capillary action. Vapor migration involves the movement of water vapor in the air, which again does not relate directly to liquids moving through solid materials.