Why are sponges stiff when they are dry, but soft and floppy when wet?

Subject: Why are sponges stiff when they are dry, but soft and floppy when wet?

Date: Thu Feb 27 01:17:39 1997
Posted by: Mario Llige
Grade level: other
School/Organization: No school entered.
City: Sydney State/Province: NSW
Country: Australia
Area of science: Biophysics
Message ID: 857027859.Bp

Message:

Why are sponges stiff when they are dry, but soft and floppy when wet?
I'm not sure if this pertains to biophysics, but that's my guess.
Thanks for any answer you can give me.
It's been puzzling me for years.

Re:Why are sponges stiff when they are dry, but soft and floppy when wet?

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