What term describes the attraction that allows molecules of different kinds of matter to stick together?

What term describes the attraction that allows molecules of different kinds of matter to stick together?

• A. Adhesion
• B. Cohesion
• C. Surface tension
• D. Intermolecular force

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the attraction allowing molecules of different kinds of matter to stick together is adhesion. This phenomenon occurs when molecules of one substance are attracted to molecules of another substance, resulting in a bond or sticking effect between the two.

For example, when water droplets form on a leaf, the water molecules (polar) are attracted to the molecules of the leaf (which may contain various polar or non-polar components). This interaction helps to hold the water on the surface. Adhesion is significant in various natural processes and is crucial for phenomena such as capillary action, where liquid rises in narrow spaces against gravity.

The other terms relate to different concepts: cohesion refers to the attraction between like molecules, surface tension describes the elastic tendency of a fluid's surface, and intermolecular forces encompass all kinds of attractive forces between molecules, not limited to different substances.