Absorption refers to the process by which one substance permeates or is taken up by another substance, usually involving the movement of molecules or particles from one phase to another. This can occur in various contexts, such as in chemistry, physics, and biology. Here's an overview of absorption:
- Chemistry: In chemistry, absorption refers to the uptake of one substance into another substance, resulting in the formation of a solution or a mixture. For example, when a solid or liquid solute is dissolved into a liquid solvent, the solute particles are absorbed by the solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture.
- Physics: In physics, absorption refers to the attenuation or reduction of the intensity of a wave or energy as it passes through a medium. When a wave, such as light or sound, encounters a material, some or all of its energy can be absorbed by the material. The absorbed energy may be converted into other forms, such as heat or chemical reactions.
- Biology: In biology, absorption is a fundamental process in which nutrients, gases, or other substances are taken up by living organisms through various structures, such as cell membranes or specialized tissues. For instance, in the human digestive system, absorption occurs in the small intestine, where nutrients from digested food are absorbed into the bloodstream for distribution to cells and tissues.
References
- Khan Academy: Absorption in the Digestive System: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-human-body-systems/hs-the-digestive-system/a/hs-absorption-in-the-digestive-system
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Absorption: https://www.britannica.com/science/absorption-chemistry-and-physics
- ScienceDirect: Absorption in Chemistry: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/absorption
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