Which term describes the process of adhering and holding something to a surface. Some pesticides adhere to surfaces of mineral or soil particles and/or to organic matter, such as thatch.

Which term describes the process of adhering and holding something to a surface. Some pesticides adhere to surfaces of mineral or soil particles and/or to organic matter, such as thatch.

• A. Adsorption
• B. Absorption
• C. Synergism
• D. Volatile

Answer: (A)

Adhesion of pesticide molecules to solid surfaces is adsorption. This term describes how the chemical sticks to surfaces like mineral soil particles or organic matter such as thatch, held there by physical or chemical attractions. Absorption would be taking the substance into the interior of the material, not just onto its surface. Synergism refers to two substances enhancing each other’s effect, and volatile describes something prone to evaporation. So, the process described—adhering and staying on the surface—is adsorption.

Adhesion of pesticide molecules to solid surfaces is adsorption. This term describes how the chemical sticks to surfaces like mineral soil particles or organic matter such as thatch, held there by physical or chemical attractions. Absorption would be taking the substance into the interior of the material, not just onto its surface. Synergism refers to two substances enhancing each other’s effect, and volatile describes something prone to evaporation. So, the process described—adhering and staying on the surface—is adsorption.