What is toner in the context of laser printers?

Toner, in the context of laser printers, refers to the fine plastic-like particles that are used to create images and text on paper. When a laser printer operates, it utilizes a laser beam to selectively charge areas of a rotating drum. This drum attracts the toner particles, which adheres to those charged areas. The toner is then transferred onto the paper and fused using heat, resulting in a printed image or text. The composition of toner typically includes pigments for color and polymers that help form the desired consistency and flow.

The other options do not accurately describe toner as it relates specifically to laser printers. Liquid ink pertains to inkjet printers, which use a different mechanism of printing. Paper itself is the medium on which images and text are printed rather than a material used in the printing process. Lastly, a cleaning solution is unrelated to the function of toner in printing, as it serves a different purpose in maintaining printer components rather than participating in the actual printing process.