Why does sand absorb water?

Question

Why does sand absorb water?

Answer 1

Water and sand mix mechanically the same as oil and sand but the sand and water can be separated much more easily.

Answer 2

The above answers are correct. The 2 key words here are permeability and porosity.

Answer 3

Sand is just lots of tiny rocks...

So the water molecules just slip right in between the tiny rocks...

Answer 4

It doesn't actually absorb it, it lets the water sink between the grains of sand.  You could prove this for yourself by putting a little sand in a container, add some water to be well above the layer of sand and mark the water level on the container.  Close the container snugly so the water can't evaporate, and check daily to see if the water level goes down.