What distinguishes a dye from other types of colorants?

A dye is characterized primarily by its ability to dissolve in liquid, which allows it to penetrate and permanently color materials, such as fabrics, plastics, and paper. This solubility is what differentiates dyes from other types of colorants, like pigments, which are typically insoluble and remain as solid particles dispersed within a medium. The nature of a dye enables it to chemically bond with the substrate, leading to vibrant and long-lasting colors.

While it’s true that dyes are not restricted to any one medium, such as paper, their capacity to disperse in solutions makes them versatile colorants used across various applications, including textiles and coatings. The implication of being a solid particle refers to pigments, and the raised image characteristic is typically associated with printing techniques that use tactile embellishments, such as embossing or debossing, rather than with dyes. Thus, the defining feature of a dye being a liquid-soluble colorant is the reason this choice is correct.