What is the function of the alcohol wick in the P-Trak?

The function of the alcohol wick in the P-Trak is to grow microscopic particles into larger droplets. This process is known as condensation. In the P-Trak, the alcohol wick serves to saturate the air with alcohol vapor. When particulate matter is introduced into this alcohol-saturated environment, it facilitates the growth of small airborne particles into larger droplets, which can then be more easily detected and measured by the P-Trak sensor. This condensation method enhances the visibility of particles, allowing for accurate monitoring of airborne concentrations of sub-micron particles.

Other options do not accurately reflect the operation of the P-Trak. Filtering out larger particles does not apply here, as the device is designed to measure smaller, sub-micron particles rather than exclude larger ones. Cooling the device during operation is not a necessary function provided by the alcohol wick, and measuring humidity levels falls outside the primary capabilities of the P-Trak, which focuses on particle detection rather than environmental conditions like humidity.