Absorb vs Adsorb
Difference, Examples & Quiz
What's the difference? Which one is correct?
Definition: To take in or soak up (liquid, light, or heat) by chemical or physical action.
Usage: Absorb can be used to describe the process of a material taking in a liquid or substance. It can also refer to the act of understanding or comprehending information.
- 1. The sponge absorbed all the water from the spill.
- 2. She absorbed the knowledge from the book.
- 3. The black shirt absorbed the sunlight and became hot.
Definition: To accumulate on a surface or in a material through the process of adsorption.
Usage: Adsorb is used to describe the process of molecules or particles sticking to the surface of a material. It is commonly used in chemistry and physics.
- 1. The activated carbon adsorbed the pollutants from the air.
- 2. The silica gel adsorbed the moisture from the container.
- 3. The charcoal adsorbed the toxins from the water.
"Absorb" and "Adsorb" are two words that are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and usage. "Absorb" refers to the process of taking in or soaking up a substance, such as a liquid being absorbed by a sponge. On the other hand, "Adsorb" refers to the process of molecules or particles adhering to the surface of a solid or liquid. For example, when a gas is adsorbed onto the surface of a material. It's important to note that the key difference lies in the nature of the substance being taken in or adhered to, with "absorb" involving the entire substance and "adsorb" involving the surface of a material.
Absorb vs Adsorb: 5 Quizzes
1. What is the definition of 'absorb'?
2. What is the definition of 'adsorb'?
3. Which term describes the process of taking in or soaking up a substance?
4. Which term describes the process of attracting and holding molecules to a surface?
5. What is the main difference between 'absorb' and 'adsorb'?
FAQs
What is Absorb?
Absorb is a process in which one substance is taken in and retained by another substance.
What is Adsorb?
Adsorb is a process in which molecules of a substance adhere to the surface of another substance.
How does Absorb differ from Adsorb?
Absorb involves the penetration of one substance into another, while Adsorb involves the adherence of molecules to a surface.
Give an example of Absorb.
An example of Absorb is when a sponge soaks up water.
Give an example of Adsorb.
An example of Adsorb is when activated charcoal adsorbs impurities from a liquid.