Why does sand absorb oil?

Question

Why does sand absorb oil?

Answer 1

Sand mixes with oil mechanically and the two can be separated without changing either.

Answer 2

I don't know the scientific terms but probably because sand molecules yield to the oil molecules.

Answer 3

the pores between the sand through capillary action sucks it in.

Answer 4

It doesn't.  Sand is not absorbent.  The oil goes down between the grains of sand.

Answer 5

Kay is partly right- the sand cannot absorb oil- but it has elements on it's surface at the molecular level that cling to each other if any catalyst- like oil or water- come between.

Answer 6

Sand does not absorb oil--it adsorbs it.  Adsorb means the oil glings to the surface of the sand so it can be "picked up" with the sand.