What does the process of adsorption refer to?

Adsorption refers specifically to the process in which molecules from a gas or liquid adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid. This process occurs at the interface between the two phases, where the molecules do not penetrate the bulk of the solid or liquid, but rather accumulate on its surface. The binding or sticking action is primarily a physical phenomenon, often governed by forces such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, or hydrogen bonding.

In contrast, absorption involves the uptake of substances by a bulk material, meaning that the absorbed molecules become integrated into the volume of the absorbing substance, affecting its physical nature. Chemical reactions involve changes in the chemical structure of substances, which is a different process from adsorption. Degradation refers to the breakdown or deterioration of a substance, which can result from various environmental factors, but it does not pertain to the simple binding of molecules to surfaces. Thus, understanding adsorption as a specific and distinct process of surface interaction is crucial in applications such as pesticide behavior in soil and how they interact with the surfaces of plants or containers.