Which condition promotes faster drying of wet materials?

Faster drying of wet materials is primarily facilitated by increased air movement. When air movement is enhanced, it helps to evaporate moisture more quickly from surfaces. This is because moving air replaces the saturated air near the surface of the wet material with drier air, allowing for more efficient evaporation. The process of evaporation requires a difference in moisture levels; thus, increased air movement accelerates this process by continuously promoting the exchange of moisture-laden air with drier air.

In contrast, higher humidity levels do not support drying, as the air is already saturated with moisture. Lower temperatures can also slow down drying times because cooler air tends to hold less moisture and reduces the evaporation rate. Lastly, reducing surface area exposure typically hinders the drying process, since less surface area means less contact with the air, which is essential for evaporation. Therefore, increased air movement is the most effective condition for promoting faster drying of wet materials.