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?
Show answer & explanation
Adsorption occurs when molecules of a gas or liquid adhere to a solid surface. This attraction between molecules of different substances is defined as adhesion, whereas attraction between molecules of the same substance is cohesion.
Step-by-step Derivation:
Step 1: Define Adsorption. Adsorption is the process where atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface.
Step 2: Analyze the forces involved. The process involves the interaction between the 'adsorbate' (the substance adhering) and the 'adsorbent' (the surface).
Step 3: Distinguish between Adhesion and Cohesion. Cohesion is the intermolecular attraction between like molecules (e.g., water to water). Adhesion is the attraction between unlike molecules (e.g., gas molecules to a metal surface).
Step 4: Match the definition to the question. Since adsorption involves one substance adhering to the surface of another (unlike substances), the force is called Adhesion.