Question

What is difference between absorption and adsorption?

Answer 1

Answer:

Absorption is a process in which one thing ( atoms, ions, molecules, etc.) is absorbs (penetrates into the surface) by another. For example, in simple terms, water is absorbed by paper is absorption. On the other hand, adsorption, creates a film/ layer onto the surface ( adhere to the surface)

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

Adsorption

• Adsorption is a surface phenomenon of accumulation of molecules of a substance at the surface rather than in the bulk of a solid or liquid.
• The substance that gets adsorbed is called the ‘adsorbate’ and the substance on whose surface the adsorption takes place is called the ‘adsorbent’.
• Here, the concentration of the adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent increases.
• In adsorption, the substance gets concentrated at the surface only.
• It does not penetrate through the surface to the bulk of the solid or liquid.
• For example, when we dip a chalk stick into an ink solution, only its surface becomes coloured.
• If we break the chalk stick, it will be found to be white from inside.  

Absorption:

• The process of absorption is a bulk phenomenon.
• In absorption, the substance gets uniformly distributed throughout the bulk of the solid or liquid.