Adhesion and Cohesion

Adhesion and cohesion tell us how substances interact at the molecular level. Adhesion refers to the attractive force between molecules of different substances. It allows substances to cling to different materials while cohesion is the attractive force between molecules of the same substance. It keeps molecules together within the substance. In this article, we will learn the differences between Adhesion And Cohesion in detail.

What is Adhesion

Adhesion is a phenomenon where two different substances cling to each other. It occurs due to the forces of attraction between different molecules. For instance, when water droplets stick to a window during rain, that’s adhesion in action. The water (liquid) adheres to the glass (solid) surface due to the attractive forces between them.

Adhesion can be influenced by several factors:

• Surface properties: The roughness and chemical characteristics of a surface affect adhesion. Smooth surfaces may offer less adhesion compared to rough surfaces.
• The nature of the substances: Different materials exhibit different levels of adhesion. For example, water adheres well to cotton but not so well to wax.
• Environmental conditions: Temperature and humidity can affect adhesion. Adhesives may perform differently in various environmental conditions.

What is Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the force that holds together molecules of the same substance. This is why water forms droplets when it falls on a surface rather than spreading out flat. Inside the droplet, water molecules are attracted to each other, pulling themselves closer together.

This force allows insects to walk on water without sinking. The surface tension created by cohesion makes the water’s surface strong enough to hold their weight.

• The ability of molecules to cohere depends significantly on their structure. Water, for example, is highly cohesive due to hydrogen bonding.
• Cohesion increases surface tension. This is evident when small objects float on water without sinking.
• Increasing temperature generally decreases cohesion as molecules move more vigorously and are less able to cling together.

Adhesion And Cohesion Difference

Here is the comparison of adhesion and cohesion :

Property	Adhesion	Cohesion
Definition	Adhesion refers to the force of attraction between different substances, such as water and glass.	Cohesion refers to the force of attraction between identical substances, like water molecules.
Surface Interaction	Adhesion causes a liquid to spread across the surface of a solid due to attractive forces.	Cohesion leads to the formation of droplets as liquid molecules are more attracted to each other than to the surrounding air.
Effect on Meniscus	Adhesive forces pull the liquid up along the walls of a container forming a concave meniscus.	Cohesive forces result in a convex meniscus when the liquid molecules prefer to stay together.
Capillary Action	Adhesion between the liquid and the container wall causes the liquid to climb up the wall in a phenomenon known as capillary action.	Cohesive forces can oppose this rise if the cohesive forces within the liquid are stronger.
Applications	Important in technologies involving bonding, like glues and paints, and biological systems like the adhesion of cells to tissues.	Crucial in phenomena such as water transport in plants and the bundling of similar molecules.
Examples	A water droplet spreading on a paper towel demonstrates adhesion.	Water droplets forming on a smooth surface, like a waxed car, showcase cohesion.

Effects of Cohesion and Adhesion

Here are the effects of cohesion and adhesion :

• Capillary Action: Cohesion keeps water molecules together inside a tube. Adhesion pulls the water up against gravity, along the tube walls.
• Meniscus Formation: Adhesion pulls liquid up the container sides, forming a concave meniscus. Strong cohesion in mercury, however, creates a convex meniscus.
• Water Transport in Plants: Cohesion helps transport water up plant xylem. Adhesion helps water molecules stick to xylem walls, aiding this upward movement.
• Surface Tension: Cohesion causes water to form droplets on surfaces like leaves. Adhesion spreads these droplets, affecting how they interact with the surface.
• Paint Application: Adhesion allows paint to stick on walls and ceilings. Cohesion keeps the paint together, forming a smooth coat.
• Medical Applications: Adhesion helps bandages stick to skin. Cohesion keeps the adhesive components bonded, ensuring the bandage stays secure.

FAQs on Adhesion And Cohesion

What is adhesion vs. cohesion?

Adhesion is the attraction between different substances, such as water and glass. Cohesion is the attraction between similar substances, like water molecules to each other.

How do adhesion and cohesion affect water behavior?

Adhesion causes water to spread on surfaces, while cohesion pulls water molecules together, forming droplets.

What role do adhesion and cohesion play in capillary action?

Capillary action results from adhesion pulling a liquid up a surface and cohesion helping the liquid stay together as it rises.

Can you explain the effect of cohesion in forming a meniscus?

Cohesion pulls liquid molecules towards each other, creating a curved surface (meniscus) in a container.

Why is adhesion important in everyday life?

Adhesion is crucial for many processes, including paint adherence to walls and effective use of bandages on skin.

What are examples of cohesion in nature?

Cohesion allows insects like water striders to walk on water surfaces without sinking, due to high surface tension.

How do adhesion and cohesion contribute to plant water transport?

These forces allow water to move against gravity through plant xylem from roots to leaves, essential for plant nourishment.