What is the term used for particles like sea salt that absorb moisture from the air?

The correct term for particles like sea salt that can absorb moisture from the air is hygroscopic particles. These particles have the ability to attract and hold water molecules from their surroundings, which can contribute to the process of cloud formation and affect humidity in the atmosphere.

Hygroscopic particles play a crucial role in weather and climate, as they provide surfaces for water vapor to condense upon, thus influencing the development of clouds and precipitation. When the air is saturated, these particles can help initiate the process leading to the formation of larger droplets that may eventually fall as rain.

Other terms in the context provided serve different purposes: condensation nuclei refer specifically to particles that facilitate the process of condensation in the formation of clouds but do not necessarily have to be hygroscopic. Aerosols constitute a broader category that includes tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in air, which may or may not be hygroscopic. Particulates is a general term for any small solid or liquid particles in the air but lacks the specificity regarding moisture absorption that hygroscopic provides.