Question

Explain the difference between the vocabulary words in each of the following sets. permeable-impermeable

Short answer

'Permeable' means allowing the passage of substances, while 'impermeable' means not allowing passage.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Vocabulary

The first step is to understand what each word means. The word 'permeable' is derived from the Latin word 'permeare,' meaning to pass through. In general contexts, 'permeable' refers to a substance or material that allows liquids or gases to pass through it. On the other hand, 'impermeable' refers to the opposite; it does not allow liquids or gases to pass through.

Identifying the Prefix Meaning

The next step is to focus on the prefixes of these words. The prefix 'im-' is crucial in understanding the difference. It is a negative prefix that means 'not' or 'opposite of.' Therefore, 'impermeable' takes the root word 'permeable' and negates it, indicating that the material does not allow any passage of substances.

Applying the Concepts in Context

To further solidify the understanding, consider practical examples or contexts where these terms are used. For instance, a sponge is a permeable material because water can flow through it. In contrast, a plastic sheet is impermeable because it blocks any liquid from passing through it.

Key concepts

Permeable

The term "permeable" describes materials that allow liquids or gases to pass through them. Imagine a sponge: it easily absorbs water due to its porous structure, making it permeable. This property is not limited to just sponges; many other materials exhibit permeability, like certain types of rocks and soils. These materials have spaces or pores that enable substances to flow through them.

In scientific and everyday contexts, understanding permeability is crucial. Engineers might need to know how water moves through soil, while environmentalists might study how pollutants spread in water. When learning about permeability, remember:

• The ease with which a material allows substances to pass depends on its composition.
• Porous materials with lots of small openings are usually more permeable.
• Permeability can affect many areas of life, from construction to environmental conservation.

Impermeable

Opposite to permeable, the term "impermeable" refers to materials that do not allow liquids or gases to pass through them. Imagine a plastic sheet covering a dish; it effectively blocks water, preventing any spills from seeping through. This ability to resist the passage of substances makes impermeable materials useful in various applications. For example, they are commonly used in creating barriers, such as molds or liners, to contain liquids or prevent leaks.

Several factors determine a material's impermeability:

• It's often due to a lack of pores or tightly bonded particles.
• Materials like glass, metal, and certain plastics are typically impermeable.
• Impermeability is essential where containment and protection from external elements are needed.

Understanding impermeable materials helps when selecting materials for construction, packaging, and many other fields.

Prefix Meaning

The understanding of prefixes can vastly enhance vocabulary comprehension. The prefix 'im-' is especially important when learning contrasting word pairs like "permeable" and "impermeable." In language, a prefix modifies a word's meaning, often to convey an opposite or negation.

Let's break it down:

• 'Permeable' has the root meaning "able to pass through."
• Adding the prefix 'im-' reverses this meaning, creating 'impermeable,' indicating that passage is not possible.
• This prefix is common in many English words, serving as a simple way to turn a positive meaning into a negative.

Grasping the function of prefixes like 'im-' helps in expanding your understanding of language quickly. Next time you encounter a new word, examine its prefix, as it may provide vital clues to its meaning!