absorates

Absorbates are substances that have been taken up by another material through a process called absorption. This is distinct from adsorption, where a substance adheres to the surface of another material. In absorption, the absorbed substance, or absorbate, becomes dispersed throughout the bulk of the absorbing material, or absorbent. This can occur through various mechanisms depending on the nature of the absorbate and absorbent, such as dissolution, diffusion, or chemical reaction.

Examples of absorbates are abundant in everyday life and industrial processes. Water is a common absorbate, readily absorbed by materials like sponges, paper, and soil. Gases can also be absorbed. For instance, carbon dioxide is absorbed by liquids like water in natural processes and industrial applications. In medicine, drugs are absorbates when they are taken into the body and distributed through tissues and bloodstream. The efficiency of absorption is often a critical factor in the effectiveness of these processes. The properties of both the absorbate and absorbent play a significant role in determining the extent and rate of absorption.