ADSORPTION
Adsorption, the
taking up by the surface of a solid or liquid (adsorbent) of the atoms, ions, or
molecules of a gas or other liquid (adsorbate). Porous or finely divided solids can hold
more adsorbate because of the relatively large surface area exposed. Similarly, the
adsorbent surface of a quantity of liquid is increased if the liquid is divided into
fine droplets. In some cases, the atoms of the adsorbate share electrons with atoms of
the adsorbent surface, forming a thin layer of chemical compound. Adsorption is also an
important part of catalysis and other chemical processes. Absorption occurs when the
molecules of adsorbate penetrate the bulk of the solid or liquid
adsorbent.
ABSORPTION
Absorption, in physics, the taking
up of energy by matter. All around us there are many sources of energy; the sun, light
bulbs, room heaters. This energy, however, may be absorbed or diminished by other
bodies. Absorption of energy is the reduction in the amount of energy available to allow
a body to do work. The energy is not lost but rather converted to some type of internal
energy within the absorbing medium. The control of the rate of absorption of energy is
important in many areas such as regulating temperatures within ovens and noise reduction
by muffling sound. Radiation in the form of streams of high-energy particles such as
electrons and other radio-active particles can also be absorbed by high density material
such as lead. The absorption of such radioactivity is clearly important for safety
reasons.
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