Question

In adsorption, the substance which accumulates on the surface of the other substanced is termed as :

• A. Adsorbate
• B. Adsorbent
• C. Accumulator
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Adsorbate

Adsorption is the accumulation of molecular species at the surface rather than in the bulk of a solid or liquid.
Two types of substance are involved in adsorption,
1. Adsorbent
2. Adsorbate

The molecular species or substance, which concentrates or accumulates at the surface is called adsorbate.

The material on the surface of which the adsorption takes place is called adsorbent.

Illustration of adsorption:
Drying of air in presence of Silica gel:
Here, water molecules get adsorbed on the surface of silical gel and the air becomes dry.

Water molecules - Adsorbate
Silica gel - Adsorbent