What are the key differences between adsorption and absorption?

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Solution

Absorption refers to the phenomenon in which the components are absorbed by another component mainly in the liquid or solid material.
Adsorption refers to the phenomenon in which liquid, gas, or dissolved solids loosely combine with the surface of another material mainly liquid or solid.
Absorption Adsorption
1. It is a bulk process. 1. It is a surface phenomenon.
2. It is an endothermic process. 2. It is an exothermic process.
3. The absorption reaction takes place at a uniform reaction rate. 3. In adsorption, the reaction rate increases gradually and eventually attains equilibrium.
4. No change in concentration takes place. 4. In the reaction, the concentration at the bottom of the absorbent is distinct from the bulk.
5. Temperature does not affect the process. 5. The process takes place at a lower temperature.
6. The process of absorption is applied to ice production, cold storage, and turbine inlet cooling. 6. The process of adsorption is applied in air conditioning, in the synthesis of resin, and water purification.

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Absorption	Adsorption
1. It is a bulk process.	1. It is a surface phenomenon.
2. It is an endothermic process.	2. It is an exothermic process.
3. The absorption reaction takes place at a uniform reaction rate.	3. In adsorption, the reaction rate increases gradually and eventually attains equilibrium.
4. No change in concentration takes place.	4. In the reaction, the concentration at the bottom of the absorbent is distinct from the bulk.
5. Temperature does not affect the process.	5. The process takes place at a lower temperature.
6. The process of absorption is applied to ice production, cold storage, and turbine inlet cooling.	6. The process of adsorption is applied in air conditioning, in the synthesis of resin, and water purification.