Differentiate between the force of cohesion and force of adhesion?

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Detailed Solution

The force of cohesion is the attraction between similar molecules, while the force of adhesion is the attraction between different types of molecules.

Force of Cohesion

It occurs between molecules of the same substance.
Example: Water molecules sticking together due to hydrogen bonding.
It helps in forming droplets or surface tension in liquids.
It is strongest in solids, weaker in liquids, and very weak in gases.

Force of Adhesion

It occurs between molecules of different substances.
Example: Water sticking to glass or paper.
It helps liquids to spread over surfaces or climb up thin tubes (capillary action).
Important in processes like painting, gluing, and writing with ink.

Property	Cohesion	Adhesion
Type of molecules	Same	Different
Example	Water droplets	Water on glass
Effect	Surface tension	Capillary action
Applications	Rain drops, mercury beads	Ink writing, adhesives