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Cohesion and Adhesion

Author: Nathan Lampson

 

Cohesion

When like molecules are attracted to each other.

 

Example:

Water molecules are attracted to each other through hydrogen bonding and create a phenomenon known as surface tension -- allowing insects to walk across the surface of water.

 

Adhesion

When molecules are attracted to other molecules that aren't the same type.

 

Example:

When water clings to a leaf, the water molecules are attracted to the molecules in the leaf.  The water molecules form a droplet due to cohesion forces that attract them to each other.

Cohesion and Adhesion