Absorptions: The Stoichiometry And Concentration Of Water

Absorption is the process by which atoms and molecules can be absorbed within another substance. In the process of absorption, the molecules will either diffuse or dissolve to compose a compound or a liquid. Absorption occurs either chemically and physically. Chemical absorbency is the reaction between two chemical substances, absorbing together. An example of chemical absorbency is sodium hydroxide absorbing carbon dioxide. The stoichiometry and concentration of these substances can affect the chemical absorbency of the product. Physical absorbency is the absorption of gases into liquids, the pressure, temperature and solubility of the gas are all factors that will potentially affect physical absorbency. For example, when water may absorb oxygen from the air.

Capillary action is defined as an ascension of liquids through a narrow tube or hole. It is the result of intermolecular forces between the cohesive and adhesive forces that act between the surface and liquid. The liquid is able to flow with out the need of external forces such as gravity. (1) An example of Capillary action is the absorbance of water through a paper towel. Water is one of the best conductors of capillary action. How well a liquid is able to absorb through capillary depends on its adhesion and cohesion. Adhesion occurs between water molecules, the molecule will magnetize to other molecules, such as paper towel. While cohesion is the attraction between identical particles, an example is water attracting to water. Cohesion and adhesion fundamentally determine a molecule's bond to other molecules.