If water is poured into a mass of particles, what determines how much water it will hold?

The ability of a mass of particles to hold water is primarily influenced by the density of the particles involved. Density, in this context, refers to how closely packed the particles are within the mass. When water is poured into a structure composed of particles, such as soil or a sponge, the density plays a crucial role in dictating the amount of water that can be absorbed.

If the particles are loosely packed, there are more voids or spaces for water to occupy, which enables the mass to hold more water. Conversely, if the particles are tightly packed, the spaces are reduced, limiting the volume of water that can be absorbed. Therefore, understanding the density of the particle mass is key to predicting how much water it can retain.