• Question: WHY IS IT EASY TO TEAR WET PAPER THAN DRY PAPER?

    Asked by susejdog to Damien, Rachael, Simon, Suzi, Tim on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Damien Hall

      Damien Hall answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Hi @susejdog –

      I think it’s easier to tear wet paper than dry paper because the water weakens the bonds between the fibres that make the paper up – so, when they’re dry, they’re stronger, and you have to exert more force to break them. It has advantages too, of course – remember making papier mâché models when you were small?

    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Hi @susejdog

      I agree with Damien – I think it’s because the bonds in the paper are weakened as they react with the water, so they pull apart easier.

      Hope this answers your question!

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