Adsorption

[RuchaDeshpande1L]

What exactly is the difference between absorption and adsorption? How does adsorption work in relation to catalysts?

[Sungyoon_Baek_1A]

I think the difference between adsorption and absorption is that in absorption, substance goes into another substance else while in adsorption, a substance/molecule sits on top of the other. For heterogeneous catalysts I think the importance of adsorption vs. absorption is that the reactants sit on the SURFACE of the catalyst rather than going into the catalyst.

[Amanda Wu 2C]

As Lavelle mentioned in class, I think the main difference between absorption and adsorption is that in absorption, a substance goes inside another substance (as in water into a sponge) whereas in adsorption, the reactants just sit on the surface of the catalyst.

[Nate O 2L]

What difference does it make when the reactants sit on the surface versus when they go inside?

[Swetha Sundaram 1E]

At least from what I understand about it, I think one would just act as a cover whereas the other one would become part of the catalyst?? I'm not sure about this though.

[Destiny Diaz 4D]

I think it would matter only in understanding what is happening to the reactant, it would be steeping into the catalyst instead of the catalyst taking in the reactant? I am not sure though

[Destiny Diaz 4D]

I feel like as long you understand and can picture the situation when given an adsorption problem you shouldn't have to worry too much.

[Joonsoo Kim 4L]

In Adsorption, Dr. Lavelle mentioned that you'd want to maximize the surface area of the catalyst so that more of it is making contact with the reactants. In absorption, that wouldn't really be a problem. I agree with Destiny that it's not something that we need to worry about too much.

[alanaarchbold]

Would an adsorption catalyst work differently in an equation? Or should I just know what it is compared to absorption

[Joonsoo Kim 4L]

It wouldn't work differently; the chemical equation doesn't include the catalyst since it cancel out anyways.

[Salena Chowdri 1I]

Adsorption occurs with a heterogeneous catalyst, it provides a solid surface area for compounds to react.

[sophiebillings1E]

It would still appear on either side of the equation as well when it comes to rate laws.

[CameronDis2K]

In adsorption, the reactants sit on top of the solution or catalyst, while absorption (as in the class example) is when water is absorbed by a sponge (so completely different meanings and uses in context).

[Jamie Lee 1F]

Adsorption is when gas or solution binds to the surface of a catalyst at active sites, versus absorption which is when solution is basically soaked into a structure.