Adsorption is a phenomenon of surface attraction, which causes molecules of one substance...
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Adsorption is a phenomenon of surface attraction, which causes molecules of one substance to adhere to the surface of another. What is this surface attraction force called?
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Answer: A. Adhesion
Adsorption occurs when molecules of a gas or liquid adhere to a solid surface due to the attractive forces between the surface atoms and the adsorbate molecules. This attraction between two different substances is defined as adhesion.
Step-by-step Derivation:
Step 1: Define the terms provided in the options.
- Cohesion: The force of attraction between like molecules (e.g., water molecule to water molecule).
- Adhesion: The force of attraction between unlike molecules (e.g., gas molecule to a metal surface).
- Attraction: A general term for any force that pulls objects together, not specific to surface phenomena.
- Affinity: A chemical tendency of a substance to combine with another, often used in the context of chemical bonding rather than physical surface attraction.
Step 2: Analyze the process of adsorption. Adsorption involves the accumulation of a substance (adsorbate) on the surface of another substance (adsorbent).
Step 3: Since adsorption specifically involves the interaction between two different phases or substances, the governing force is the attraction between unlike molecules, which is technically termed 'Adhesion'.