Introduction

Worldwide presence In chemistry there are several terms that can confuse us, one of them are the words adhesion and cohesion.

What is adhesion?

Adhesion is the force that holds two surfaces of different materials together. It occurs when the molecules of one material adhere to those of another material due to molecular attraction. Examples Common adhesion agents are glue, tape, and chewing gum.

What is cohesion?

Cohesion is the force that holds molecules of the same material together. It is produced thanks to the attraction between molecules of the same material. Some common examples of cohesion are water droplets, bubbles, and snow.

What is the difference between adhesion and cohesion?

The main difference between adhesion and cohesion is that adhesion occurs between two different materials, while cohesion occurs within the same material. Additionally, adhesion is usually a stronger force than cohesion, as it involves the attraction between two different types of molecules.

Examples:

• Adhesion allows the magnets to stick to the refrigerator.
• Cohesion allows the water droplets to stay together, forming a curved surface at the top.
• Glue is a common example of adhesion.
• Snow is a common example of cohesion.

Conclusion

In summary, adhesion and cohesion are two terms that refer to the force that holds the molecules of a material together. Adhesion occurs between two different materials, while cohesion occurs within the same material. It is important to understand the difference between these terms in order to apply them correctly in different situations.

Remember: Adhesion and cohesion are fundamental forces in chemistry that allow us to understand how materials hold together.

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