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This week’s new questions

Why does a slightly damp sponge absorb water so much better than the same sponge when it is bone dry? And why does Earth have an iron core, rather than one made of another abundant element such as silicon?

25 October 2023

Yellow wash scrub sponge placed on wet blue background covered with drops of water in light room during household chores; Shutterstock ID 2167323189; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Stockcreations/Shutterstock

Why does a slightly damp sponge absorb water so much better than the same sponge when it is bone dry?

Bert Laan,

Ashurst, Hampshire, UK

Earth core structure. Elements of this image furnished by NASA; Shutterstock ID 371019560; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shutterstock/Vadim Sadovski

Why does our planet have an iron core, rather than one made of another abundant element such as silicon?

Greg Tanner,

Melbourne, Australia

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

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