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 What is the process called when the molecules of a substance are retained at the surface of a solid or a liquid?
  • a)
    Absorption
  • b)
    Adsorption
  • c)
    Sorption
  • d)
    Desorption
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the process called when the molecules of a substance are retai...
Adsorption

Adsorption is a process in which the molecules of a substance are retained at the surface of a solid or a liquid. The substance that is adsorbed is called the adsorbate, and the surface on which it is adsorbed is called the adsorbent.

Types of Adsorption

Adsorption can be classified into two types:

1. Physical Adsorption or Physisorption: This type of adsorption involves weak van der Waals forces between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. The adsorbate molecules are only loosely attached to the surface of the adsorbent, and can be easily removed by changing the conditions like temperature, pressure, or concentration.

2. Chemical Adsorption or Chemisorption: This type of adsorption involves strong chemical bonds between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. The adsorbate molecules are chemically bonded to the surface of the adsorbent, and can only be removed by breaking the chemical bonds.

Factors Affecting Adsorption

The factors that affect adsorption include:

1. Nature of the Adsorbate: The adsorption depends on the nature of the adsorbate. Polar molecules are more strongly adsorbed than non-polar molecules.

2. Nature of the Adsorbent: The adsorption also depends on the nature of the adsorbent. Some materials like activated carbon, silica gel, and zeolites are good adsorbents.

3. Temperature: The adsorption increases with a decrease in temperature for physical adsorption, whereas it decreases with a decrease in temperature for chemisorption.

4. Pressure: The adsorption increases with an increase in pressure for physical adsorption, whereas it remains constant for chemisorption.

Uses of Adsorption

Adsorption has various uses, including:

1. Purification of water and air

2. Separation of gases

3. Catalysis

4. Adsorbent for chromatography

5. Adsorbent for gas masks

Conclusion

In conclusion, adsorption is a process in which the molecules of a substance are retained at the surface of a solid or a liquid. It can be classified into two types: physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. The factors that affect adsorption include the nature of the adsorbate, the nature of the adsorbent, temperature, and pressure. Adsorption has various uses, including purification of water and air, separation of gases, catalysis, and adsorbent for gas masks.
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What is the process called when the molecules of a substance are retai...
Adsorption

Adsorption is the process of retaining the molecules of a substance at the surface of a solid or a liquid. It is a surface phenomenon and occurs when the molecules of a substance, called adsorbate, adhere to the surface of another substance, called adsorbent. The adsorbate can be a gas or a liquid, and the adsorbent can be a solid or a liquid.

Types of Adsorption

There are two types of adsorption:

1. Physical Adsorption:

Physical adsorption, also known as physisorption or van der Waals adsorption, is a weak, reversible process that occurs due to the attractive forces between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. The adsorbate is held to the surface of the adsorbent by van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, or dipole-dipole interactions. Physical adsorption occurs at low temperatures and high pressures.

2. Chemical Adsorption:

Chemical adsorption, also known as chemisorption or covalent adsorption, is a strong, irreversible process that occurs due to the formation of chemical bonds between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. Chemical adsorption occurs at high temperatures and low pressures.

Factors Affecting Adsorption

The following factors affect the adsorption process:

1. Nature of the Adsorbate:

The nature of the adsorbate affects the adsorption process. The adsorption is higher for polar molecules than for nonpolar molecules.

2. Nature of the Adsorbent:

The nature of the adsorbent affects the adsorption process. The adsorption is higher for a large surface area of the adsorbent.

3. Temperature:

The adsorption is higher at low temperatures for physical adsorption and at high temperatures for chemical adsorption.

4. Pressure:

The adsorption is higher at high pressures for physical adsorption and at low pressures for chemical adsorption.

Applications of Adsorption

Adsorption has many applications in various fields, such as:

1. Industrial Processes:

Adsorption is used in various industrial processes, such as gas purification, water treatment, and separation of chemicals.

2. Catalysis:

Adsorption is used in catalysis to increase the rate of chemical reactions.

3. Chromatography:

Adsorption is used in chromatography to separate and analyze different components of a mixture.

4. Drug Delivery:

Adsorption is used in drug delivery to increase the bioavailability of drugs.

Conclusion

Adsorption is the process of retaining the molecules of a substance at the surface of a solid or a liquid. It is a surface phenomenon and occurs due to the attractive forces between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. Adsorption has many applications in various fields, such as industrial processes, catalysis, chromatography, and drug delivery.
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What is the process called when the molecules of a substance are retained at the surface of a solid or a liquid?a)Absorptionb)Adsorptionc)Sorptiond)DesorptionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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