Sorptsioonis

Sorptsioonis is a Latvian term that refers to the process of absorption or adsorption. In a scientific context, it broadly describes the phenomenon where one substance is taken up by another, either into its bulk (absorption) or onto its surface (adsorption). The specifics of sorptsioonis depend heavily on the phases and chemical nature of the interacting substances.

Absorption, a form of sorptsioonis, occurs when a fluid (liquid or gas) is dissolved or soaked into the body of another substance. A common example is a sponge soaking up water. In chemistry, absorption can involve a gas dissolving into a liquid solvent or a solid taking up a liquid into its porous structure.

Adsorption, another key aspect of sorptsioonis, involves the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface. This creates a film of the adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent. Unlike absorption, where the substance penetrates the bulk, adsorption is a surface phenomenon. Examples include activated charcoal adsorbing impurities from water or a catalyst adsorbing reactant molecules.

The term sorptsioonis is used across various scientific disciplines in Latvia, including chemistry, physics, and environmental science, to discuss phenomena involving the uptake of one substance by another. Understanding the distinction between absorption and adsorption is crucial for analyzing these processes and their applications, such as in purification, separation, and catalysis. The driving forces and mechanisms behind sorptsioonis are often complex, involving physical forces like van der Waals interactions or chemical bonding.