What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adsorption
Example
The activated carbon filter works by adsorbing impurities from the water. [adsorbing: present participle]
Example
The adsorption of nitrogen gas onto the surface of the metal is important in catalysis. [adsorption: noun]
adhesion
Example
The adhesion of the paint to the wall was poor due to the presence of moisture. [adhesion: noun]
Example
The adhesive tape has strong adhesion to the surface, making it difficult to remove. [adhesion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adhesion is more commonly used than adsorption in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more familiar to people. However, adsorption is an important concept in various scientific and industrial fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adsorption and adhesion?
Both adsorption and adhesion are technical terms that are commonly used in scientific and industrial contexts, and are therefore considered formal words. However, adhesion may also be used in everyday language in a more general sense to describe the sticking of two things together.
