Adsorb vs. Absorb: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Adsorption is the adhesion of molecules to a surface, while absorption involves a substance being fully taken into another, often internally.
Key Differences
Adsorption occurs when particles from a gas or liquid adhere to a solid surface, without becoming part of the solid. In contrast, absorption involves a material taking in another substance through intermolecular forces.
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Nov 29, 2023
In adsorption, the adhering substance remains on the surface and does not permeate the solid. Conversely, absorption sees the absorbed material diffusing into the absorbing substance.
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Adsorption is often a surface phenomenon, where molecules are attracted to a surface but not integrated into it. Absorption involves the incorporation of a substance into the internal structure of another.
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The process of adsorption is crucial in applications like filtration, where substances are removed by adhering to a filter surface. Absorption is key in processes like sponging, where a material swells as it takes in a liquid.
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Adsorption can be a reversible process, where adsorbed molecules can be removed from the surface. Absorption, however, often results in a more permanent integration of the absorbed material.
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Comparison Chart
Process
Adhesion of molecules on a surface.
Intake of a substance into another's internal structure.
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Location of Action
Occurs at the surface.
Happens within the bulk of the material.
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Nature of Bonding
Physical or chemical bonding at the surface.
Incorporation into the material through diffusion.
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Example Applications
Used in catalysis, filtration.
Seen in sponges, towels absorbing liquids.
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Adsorb and Absorb Definitions
Adsorb
Process where a solid holds molecules of a gas or liquid on its surface.
The clay adsorbs contaminants from the wastewater.
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Absorb
To take in or soak up a substance by chemical or physical action.
The sponge absorbs water quickly.
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Adsorb
Surface-based adhesion of molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid.
The filter adsorbs toxins from the air.
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Absorb
To assimilate or incorporate a substance.
The plant's roots absorb nutrients from the soil.
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Adsorb
Accumulation of molecules at the surface of a solid or liquid.
The silica gel effectively adsorbs moisture.
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Absorb
To draw in or take up by capillary, osmotic, solvent, or cohesive forces.
The paper towel absorbs the mess efficiently.
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Adsorb
Adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface.
The catalyst adsorbs the reactants, speeding up the reaction.
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Adsorb
To gather on a surface in a condensed layer.
Activated carbon adsorbs impurities from water.
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Absorb
To occupy the attention, interest, or time of; engross
The problem completely absorbed her.
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Adsorb
To accumulate on a surface, by adsorption
The gas was purified by adsorbing the impurities onto active carbon.
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Absorb
To retain (radiation or sound, for example) wholly, without reflection or transmission.
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Adsorb
To attract and bind (molecules of a substance in a fluid) so as to form a thin layer on the surface, by non-electrostatic forces; to bind by adsorption. Distinguished from absorb, in which the foreign substance penetrates the body of the absorbing material.
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Absorb
To take in; assimilate
Immigrants who were absorbed into the social mainstream.
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Absorb
To learn; acquire
"Matisse absorbed the lesson and added to it a new language of color" (Peter Plagen).
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Absorb
To receive (an impulse) without echo or recoil
A fabric that absorbs sound.
A bumper that absorbs impact.
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Absorb
To use up; consume
The project has absorbed all of our department's resources.
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Absorb
(transitive) To include so that it no longer has separate existence; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to incorporate; to assimilate; to take in and use up.
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Absorb
(transitive) To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe, like a sponge or as the lacteals of the body; to chemically take in.
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Absorb
(intransitive) To be absorbed, or sucked in; to sink in.
The drops of water slowly absorbed into the dry sponge.
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Absorb
To take in energy and convert it.
Heat, light, and electricity are absorbed in the substances into which they pass.
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Absorb
Taking in radiant energy and converting it to a different form of energy, like heat.
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Absorb
To swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to use up; to include.
The large cities absorb the wealth and fashion.
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Absorb
To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the lacteals of the body.
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Absorb
To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; as, absorbed in study or the pursuit of wealth.
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Absorb
To take up by cohesive, chemical, or any molecular action, as when charcoal absorbs gases. So heat, light, and electricity are absorbed or taken up in the substances into which they pass.
That grave question which had begun to absorb the Christian mind - the marriage of the clergy.
Too long hath love engrossed Britannia's stage,And sunk to softness all our tragic rage.
Should not the sad occasion swallow upMy other cares?
And in destruction's riverEngulf and swallow those.
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Absorb
Take in, also metaphorically;
The sponge absorbs water well
She drew strength from the minister's words
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Absorb
Cause to become one with;
The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax
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Absorb
Assimilate or take in;
The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society
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Absorb
Engage or engross wholly;
Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely
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Absorb
To integrate a liquid into a solid's internal structure.
The towel absorbs the spilled coffee.
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Absorb
To take in and utilize energy or information.
He absorbs new information quickly.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is adsorption?
Adsorption is the process of molecules adhering to a surface.
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What are common applications of adsorption?
Common applications include air and water filtration, and catalysis.
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Can adsorption be reversed?
Yes, adsorption can often be reversed by removing the adsorbed substance.
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Can absorption occur in gases?
Yes, gases can be absorbed by liquids or solids.
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What factors affect adsorption?
Factors include surface area, temperature, and the nature of the adsorbent and adsorbate.
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Is absorption a physical or chemical process?
Absorption can be both, depending on how the substance integrates into the material.
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How does absorption work in plants?
Plants absorb water and nutrients through their roots.
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Is adsorption a surface phenomenon?
Yes, adsorption occurs on the surface of a material.
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What materials are good at absorbing?
Materials like sponges, cotton, and certain polymers are good at absorbing.
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What does absorb mean?
Absorb means taking in a substance into the internal structure of another material.
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Can absorption be used in cleaning?
Yes, absorption is often used in cleaning up spills.
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What is an example of absorption in daily life?
Drying hands with a towel is an everyday example of absorption.
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How does color absorption work?
Color absorption involves a material taking in certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others.
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Are adsorption and absorption the same in soundproofing?
No, in soundproofing, absorption refers to the reduction of sound, while adsorption isn't typically involved.
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Can absorbent materials release the absorbed substance?
It depends on the material and substance; some absorbent materials can release the absorbed substance under certain conditions.
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How is adsorption measured?
Adsorption is measured by the amount of adsorbate held on the adsorbent's surface.
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Does temperature affect adsorption?
Yes, temperature can significantly affect the rate and capacity of adsorption.
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What are adsorbents?
Adsorbents are materials that have the capacity to adsorb substances.
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What role does adsorption play in environmental cleanup?
Adsorption is used to remove pollutants and toxins from water and air.
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Is adsorption important in industrial processes?
Yes, adsorption is crucial in many industrial processes, including purification and separation.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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