Difference Between Absorption and Adsorption

The difference between absorption and adsorption is that adsorption involves molecules adhering to a surface without penetration, whereas absorption involves molecules penetrating and distributing within a substance. Although Absorption and Adsorption sound similar, they are not the same. Absorption and adsorption have found various applications in biology.

Adsorption helps in processes like enzyme catalysis and cell signalling by facilitating molecular interactions on cell surfaces. Absorption, on the other hand, is crucial for nutrient uptake in plants and animals. In this article, we will discuss absorption vs adsorption in detail.

What is Absorption?

Absorption is a process in which a substance is taken in by another substance, either by penetrating and diffusing throughout its volume or by adhering to its surface. In biological contexts, absorption refers to the uptake of molecules or nutrients by cells or tissues from their surroundings. Typically, this process involves the penetration or diffusion of particles or molecules into the inner workings of the absorbing material.

Absorption Example in Biology

• Absorption of Water by Plant Roots: Plant roots absorb water from the soil through osmosis. This allows the plant to maintain turgor pressure and support its structure while also facilitating the transport of nutrients.
• Nutrient Absorption in the Intestines: Nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are absorbed from the digested food into the bloodstream by absorption for distribution to cells throughout the body.

What is Adsorption?

Adsorption is a surface phenomenon where molecules or particles from a fluid adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid substrate. Only the surface of the adsorbing substance experiences the molecules accumulation instead of molecules being taken into the material’s bulk. Basically, it is the process by which molecules or particles are drawn to the adsorbent’s surface due to attractive forces such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, or chemical bonding.

Adsorption Example in Biology

• Toxin Removal by Charcoal: Charcoal, often used in water filtration systems, adsorbs toxins and impurities from water by attracting and adhering to their surface, purifying the water for consumption.
• Gas Exchange in the Lungs: In biology, a significant example of adsorption occurs in the lungs, where oxygen molecules adhere to the surface of alveoli, facilitating their diffusion into the bloodstream for oxygenation of tissues.

Difference Between Absorption and Adsorption

The difference between absorption and adsorption are discussed below in a table format:

Parameters	Absorption	Adsorption
Principle	Involves the adherence of molecules to a surface due to attractive forces.	Occurs through the penetration and diffusion of one substance into another.
Rate of Reaction	It is a endothermic process.	It is a exothermic process.
Phenomenon	It is bulk phenomenon.	It is a surface phenomenon
Temperature	No effect of temperature on the process.	This process occurs at low temperature.
Pressure	It is not dependent on pressure.	It is dependent on pressure.
Concentration	It remains same throughout the process.	It first increases and then come in a state of equilibrium.
Depth of Penetration	Superficial attachment without entering the material	Molecules penetrate the material’s bulk, undergoing diffusion.
Reversibility	Generally reversible, molecules can desorb from the surface.	Often irreversible, molecules become integrated into the substance.
Heat Exchange	Typically releases heat due to molecules coming together on the surface.	May involve heat exchange depending on the substance being absorbed or released.
Examples	Adsorption of gases onto activated carbon surfaces.	Absorption of water by a sponge or salt dissolving in water.
Applications	Used in catalysts, purification processes, and gas masks.	Important in biological processes, chemical reactions, and wastewater treatment.

Conclusion – Difference Between Absorption and Adsorption

To conclude, one can easily differentiate between the processes of absorption and adsorption. The main difference lies in the degree of contact and the type of the process between absorption and adsorption. Different applications and their results can be found in chemistry, the study of materials and environmental science and many other fields of study.

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FAQs on Difference Between Absorption and Adsorption

What is the Main Difference Between Absorption and Adsorption Class 12?

The main difference between absorption and adsorption is that absorption involves penetration and diffusion into the bulk of a substance, while adsorption involves adhesion to the surface of a material.

What is the Difference Between Absorbent and Adsorbent?

The difference between absorbent and adsorbent lies in their functions: absorbents are materials that take in substances into their bulk, while adsorbents are materials that attract and hold substances onto their surface.

What is Absorption?

Absorption is the process by which one substance permeates or is assimilated by another substance, either by penetrating its surface and diffusing throughout its volume or by adhering to its surface.

What is Adsorption?

Adsorption is a surface phenomenon where molecules or particles from a fluid adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid substrate.

What is an Example of Adsorption?

An example of adsorption is the removal of pollutants from air or water using activated carbon, where the pollutants adhere to the surface of the carbon particles.