Distinguish between the meaning of the terms adsorption and absorption. Give one example of each.
Explanation In adsorption, the adsorbate substance is attracted by the surface molecules of the adsorbent which leads to the phenomena of adsorption, i.e. the molecules of adsorbate gather on the surface of the adsorbent. Adsorption of gases by charcoal is a famous example of adsorption. In Absorption, the molecules of one substance go deeper and are totally absorbed into the bulk of the absorbing substance. In this manner, absorption is different than adsorption. Example of absorption is: the absorption of water by foam, or absorption of water by a chalk.
