adsorption

ad·sorp·tion  (d-sôrpshn, -zôrp-) n. The accumulation of gases, liquids, or solutes on the surface of a solid or liquid. [From adsorb.] ad·sorptive (-tv) adj.

adsorption Activated charcoal in a gas mask attracts toxic gas molecules, allowing the person wearing the mask to breathe fresh air.

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adsorption  (d-sôrpshn) The process by which molecules of a substance, such as a gas or a liquid, collect on the surface of another substance, such as a solid. The molecules are attracted to the surface but do not enter the solid's minute spaces as in absorption. Some drinking water filters consist of carbon cartridges that adsorb contaminants. Compare absorption.

adsorption Gas molecules are attracted to the surface of activated charcoal but are not absorbed by it.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

adsorption - the accumulation of molecules of a gas to form a thin film on the surface of a solid surface assimilation chemisorption, chemosorption - adsorption (especially when irreversible) by means of chemical instead of physical forces; "chemisorption of gaseous nitrogen on iron catalysts" sorption - the process in which one substance takes up or holds another (by either absorption or adsorption)