Adsorption

[Jack Papciak 2F]

Can somebody explain adsorption?

[Masih Tazhibi 2I]

Adsorption occurs when you have a heterogenous catalyst being used, that is, a catalyst that is in a different phase than the reactants. Usually, adsorption occurs when your catalyst is a solid, and the reactants, rather than going inside or being absorbed by the catalyst, simply sit on top of it as the reaction proceeds.

[lizzygaines1D]

its basically when the reactants sit on the surface of the catalyst.

[Emily Oren 3C]

Adsorption is when the catalyst is a solid and the reaction takes place on its surface. This image is an example to help visualize:

[aaron tang 2K]

During lecture, Lavelle talked about how sponges absorb water and catalysts are adsorbing a reactant, meaning the reactant sits on top of the catalyst. There is a slight adhesion when a catalyst adsorbs a reactant. This allows the reactant to detach from the catalyst as the reaction proceeds. Once the detachment occurs, the catalyst is free to move onto the next reactant.