physical adsorption
Quick Summary
Physical adsorption is a process where solid substances attract molecules of gases or solutions to their surfaces. This is driven by physical forces, specifically van der Waals forces, between the solid adsorbent and the adsorbate molecules. Unlike chemical adsorption, physical adsorption is not chemically specific and occurs when temperatures are low or gas pressure is high. An example is the use of charcoal in gas masks to remove impurities from air. This process is distinct from absorption, where a substance penetrates the interior of a solid or liquid.1
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