Question

What are cohesive forces?

Answer 1

Intermolecular forces are attraction or repulsion forces that operate between atoms and other types of neighboring particles, such as atoms or ions, to mediate molecule interaction. In comparison to intramolecular forces, which hold a molecule together, intermolecular forces are weak.

Complete step by step answer:
The word "cohesive forces" relies on the concept intermolecular forces that are responsible for liquids' bulk resistance to separation. These attractive forces occur specifically between molecules of the same material. Since water has high cohesion, which draws its molecules tightly together to form droplets, rain falls in droplets rather than a fine mist. Owing to the molecules' disdain for their environment, this force appears to bind liquid molecules, collecting them into relatively large clusters.
That is, cohesion, also known as cohesive attraction or cohesive force, is the action or property of molecules attracting each other.
It is an inherent property of a substance caused by the shape and composition of its molecules, which causes an irregular distribution of surrounding electrons when molecules get close to one another, resulting in the electrical attraction that can keep a microscopic structure like a water drop in place. In other words, cohesion allows for surface tension, allowing lightweight or low-density materials to be mounted on top of it.

Additional Information:
The tendency of unlike particles or surfaces to adhere to one another is known as adhesion. The relative strengths of the cohesive and adhesive forces acting on a liquid determine the form it will take when placed on a smooth surface. When the adhesive forces between a liquid and a surface are greater, the liquid will be pulled back, wetting the surface. If the liquid's cohesive forces are stronger, however, they can resist adhesion and allow the liquid to maintain its spherical form and bead the surface.

Note:
The meniscus, surface tension, and capillary motion are examples of phenomena that can be explained using cohesion and adhesion. Both the adhesion and cohesion forces have different strengths.