Absorption facts for kids
Absorption is when something takes in another substance. Think of a sponge soaking up water! It's a natural process where tiny particles like atoms, molecules, or ions go deep inside a gas, liquid, or solid material.
This process is different from adsorption. When something is absorbed, the tiny particles go all the way into the main part (or "bulk") of the material. But with adsorption, the particles only stick to the surface of the material. A bigger word that covers both absorption and adsorption is sorption.
What is Absorption?
Absorption happens when one substance fully takes in another. It's like a dry paper towel soaking up a spilled drink. The liquid doesn't just sit on top; it goes right into the paper towel. This can be a physical change, like the paper towel example, or a chemical change, where new substances are formed.
How is it Different from Adsorption?
It's easy to mix up absorption and adsorption, but they are not the same!
- Absorption: The particles go into the material. They spread throughout its entire volume.
- Adsorption: The particles only stick on the surface of the material. They don't go inside.
Think of it this way:
- A sponge soaking up water is absorption. The water goes into all the holes of the sponge.
- Dust sticking to a table is adsorption. The dust stays on the surface of the table.
Where Do We See Absorption?
The word "absorption" is used in many different areas of science. Here are a few examples:
- In Biology: This is how our bodies take in important things. For example, our intestines absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Our skin can also absorb certain creams or medicines. Tiny cell membranes in our body also absorb substances they need.
- In Medicine: When you take medicine, it needs to get into your bloodstream to work. This process is called drug absorption. The medicine is absorbed from your stomach or intestines into your blood.
- In Physics: Materials can absorb light, heat, or other types of electromagnetic radiation. For example, a dark shirt absorbs more sunlight and feels warmer than a light-colored shirt, which reflects more light.
