Which among the following is an example of Adsorption?

The correct answer is All of the above.

• Adsorption:
  • It is the process of deposition of molecules of liquid or gases onto the surface of a solid particle.
  • Silica and aluminium gels are used to adsorb moisture to reduce humidity.
  • Misty windows: Water molecules cling to the window glass.
  • Painting: molecules of liquid paint cling to wood, metals, and other materials.
  • The chromatographic analysis is based on the phenomenon of adsorption.

Additional Information

• Sorption describes the actions of absorption and adsorption-desorption is the opposite of sorption.
• Adsorption and absorption are important processes that occur in chemistry and biology.
• It is important to have an understanding of both processes and the differences between them when considering separation protocols, particularly in gas and liquid chromatography.

The major difference between adsorption and absorption is that one is a surface process and the other a bulk process.

1. Adsorption — takes place on the surface of a substrate
2. Absorption — one substance enters the bulk, or volume, of another substance e.g. a gas absorbed by a liquid