Question

What is the name of a phenomenon in which both adsorption and absorption takes place?
A. Chemisorption
B. Physisorption
C. Desorption
D. Sorption

Answer 1

Hint: The terms mentioned in the question are related to the concept of adsorption. Adsorption is the process when the ions, atoms, or molecules from a physical is adhesive to the surface, whereas in absorption the materials enter the surface. By defining the given terms, the phenomenon would be known.

Complete step by step answer:
First, we have mentioned that these all terms are related to the adsorption phenomenon. Now, on the basis of that we can define the terms.
If we look at the given options, first is chemisorption, it is a type of adsorption involving a chemical reaction between the surface, and the adsorbate.
The second is physisorption, it is a second type of adsorption defined in the contrast to chemisorption, it leaves the chemical species of the adsorbate, and the surface together.
Now, third is desorption, in this phenomenon a substance, or chemical species is released from the surface. It is the opposite of sorption.
Talking about the term sorption, it is a physical, and chemical phenomenon through which substance gets attached to another one. It means the adsorption, and absorption takes place together.
So, in the end we can conclude that the phenomenon in which both adsorption, and absorption takes place is sorption. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Note: Don’t get confused between all the terms. There is a difference between an adsorbate, and an adsorbent, the substance which gets adsorbed is termed as an adsorbate, whereas the substance that absorbs another substance is termed as an adsorbent.