A sponge absorbs liquids quickly because a network of tiny internal pores traps fluid through capillary action. Sponges contain millions of small holes and empty spaces that hold air when dry. When a sponge touches liquid, forces called adhesion (water sticking to the sponge walls) and cohesion (water molecules sticking to each other) pull the liquid deep inside the channels without needing outside pressure. Pushing or squeezing the sponge flattens these channels and forces the trapped liquid back out.