Question

Distinguish between the meaning of the terms adsorption and absorption. Give one example of each.

Answer 1

To solve this question, we must first understand the concepts of Adsorption and Absorption. Then we need to assess the differences between their characteristics and their properties and then only we can conclude the correct answer.

Complete step by step solution:
Adsorption: It is the adhesion of molecules or ions or atoms to the surface of a solid or liquid. The molecules get accumulated only at the surface and do not enter the bulk of the adsorbing material. It is a surface phenomenon.
Adsorbate: The substance whose molecules get adsorbed at the surface is called the adsorbate.
Adsorbent: The substance on whose surface the process takes place is called the adsorbent.
Absorption: It is a physical or chemical effect or a mechanism in which electrons, molecules or ions join some bulk phase – solid or liquid substance. It is a separate mechanism from adsorption because molecules undergoing absorption are soaked up by the length, not by the air.

Differences:

Absorption	Adsorption
Assimilation of the molecular system throughout the bulk of the solid or liquid medium.	Accumulation of molecular species at the bottom instead of the liquid or solid.
It is a bulk phenomenon.	It is a surface phenomenon.
It is a Endothermic process	It is a Exothermic process
The temperature has no effect.	Influenced by low temperature
It occurs at a uniform rate.	It increases steadily and reaches equilibrium.
It is constant throughout the medium.	The Concentration at the bottom of adsorbent is different from that in bulk.
Example: silica gel absorbs water vapour	Example: anhydrous calcium chloride absorbs water

Note:
Adsorption is generally also the first step in the viral life cycle. The next steps are penetration, uncoating, synthesis (transcription if needed, and translation), and release. The virus replication cycle, in this respect, is similar for all types of viruses. Factors such as transcription may or may not be needed if the virus is able to integrate its genetic material.