Adsorption v. Absorption

[Suraj Doshi 2G]

Can someone explain the difference between adsorption and absorption as it relates to catalysis?

[Asha Agarwal 1E]

Absorption is when something takes in something else like a sponge absorbing water. Adsorption on the other hand is when a reactant sits on the surface of a catalyst.

[Matt F]

^To add onto this, adsorption occurs with a heterogeneous catalyst where the catalyst is in a different phase as the reactants (usually solids), causing them to sit on the surface

[805307623]

At active sites, 1+ reactants are adsorbed on to the surface of the catalyst. Adsorption is where something sticks to a surface. Absorption is where one substance is taken up within the structure of another.