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In physics, adhesion refers to the intermolecular attractive force acting between two different substances in contact. This force is what causes dissimilar materials to stick together. It originates from forces like van der Waals forces and Coulomb forces.12

Adhesion is distinct from cohesion, which is the attractive force between molecules of the same substance. For example, water molecules tend to cohere, forming drops, but they also adhere to other surfaces, like glass. The strength of adhesion depends on the specific substances involved.12

Adhesion is a fundamental principle behind how adhesives work, enabling them to hold materials together through surface attachment.3

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