The Michigan researchers developed a mesh fabric that might aid in cleaning up oil spills. This fabric functions for this purpose by:
A) allowing water, but not oil, to pass through.
B) allowing oil to pass through, but repelling water.
C) forcing both water and oil to mix together.
D) breaking down oil into harmless molecules.
The correct answer is B) allowing oil to pass through, but repelling water.
This mesh fabric is designed to selectively absorb oil while allowing water to flow through. This property makes it effective for cleaning up oil spills, as it can gather oil from the water surface without affecting the water itself. This selective permeability is crucial in environmental cleanup efforts. If you have more questions about this topic or need further details, feel free to ask!