Which of the following statements about absorption is true?

• A. It is a defensive method
• B. It increases hazard
• C. It soaks up and holds the spill
• D. It never reacts with substances

Answer: (C)

Absorption is a cleanup method that uses absorbent materials to capture a liquid spill by soaking it up and holding it within the absorbent. That’s exactly what this statement describes: it soaks up the spill and traps it, making it easier to remove and dispose of safely. This action reduces the hazard by removing the liquid from the environment rather than letting it spread.

The other ideas don’t fit as accurately. Absorption isn’t primarily a defensive tactic; it’s a cleanup process. It also doesn’t inherently increase hazard—in fact, when used properly, it lowers risk by containing the spill. And while some absorbents can participate in chemical reactions with certain substances, saying it never reacts with anything isn’t accurate, since there are reactive absorbents designed for specific hazards.