Here are the main differences betweenwool and cotton :

Wool is an animal fibre whilecotton derives from plants.

Wool has a coarse texture as itcomes from animal hair thatcontains proteins while cotton hasrelatively smooth texture as it ismade up of cellulose.

Wool is stronger than cotton.

Wool is heavier than cotton as wellas wool dries up slower thancotton.

Cotton fibres are worn in summerwhile woollen clothes duringwinter.

Woollen clothes trap more heatenergy than cotton clothes.

There are several ways to distinguish wool from cotton fibres. Here are some of the most common methods:

Visual inspection
- Wool fibres are typically curly or wavy, while cotton fibres are straight and smooth.
- Wool fibres are thicker and more robust than cotton fibres.
- Wool fibres have a natural crimp (waviness) that gives them elasticity and resilience.

Burning test
- Take a small sample of the fibre and burn it with a lighter or match.
- Wool fibres will produce a smell like burning hair or feathers, and the ash will be crumbly and black.
- Cotton fibres will produce a smell like burning paper or leaves, and the ash will be soft and white.

Chemical tests
- Wool fibres are naturally protein-based, so they will react to chemical tests that detect protein.
- For example, you can use a solution of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) to dissolve wool fibres, while cotton fibres will not dissolve.

Microscopic examination
- Under a microscope, wool fibres will have a scaly surface, while cotton fibres will have a smooth surface.
- Wool fibres will also have a thicker diameter and more irregular shape than cotton fibres.

Conclusion
Distinguishing wool from cotton fibres can be done through visual inspection, burning test, chemical tests, and microscopic examination. By using these methods, it is possible to identify the characteristics of each type of fibre, which can be helpful in a variety of applications.