What is difference between cohessive and adhessive force

The difference between cohesive and adhesive forces lies in the way they hold molecules together.

Cohesive forces are the attractive forces between molecules of the same type. These forces are responsible for the high surface tension of liquid water and allow water to form droplets, for example. Cohesive forces are created by intermolecular attractions, such as hydrogen bonding or Van der Waals forces. In the case of water, hydrogen bonding between water molecules results in a strong force of cohesion, which gives water its unique properties.

On the other hand, adhesive forces are the attractive forces between molecules of different types. They allow a substance to stick or adhere to another surface. Adhesive forces arise due to different types of intermolecular attractions, such as electrostatic forces or dipole-dipole interactions. For instance, when water adheres to the surface of a glass or paper, adhesive forces are at play.

Understanding the difference between cohesive and adhesive forces is important in various scientific fields, such as materials science, chemistry, and biology. These forces can influence the behavior and properties of substances and allow the formation of structures and bonds in various contexts.