Absorption

1. Absorption
Absorption is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand how
substances interact with each other. In this presentation, we'll delve into
the different types of absorption, its measurement, and its applications.
by Ff Sarkar

2. Definition of Absorption
What is Absorption?
Absorption refers to the process in
which one substance permeates
another, resulting in a homogeneous
mixture.
Types of Absorption
There are several types of absorption,
including physical, chemical, and
biological absorption, each with its
unique mechanisms.
Factors Influencing Absorption
The rate and extent of absorption depend on various factors, such as surface area,
concentration, and temperature.

3. Measurement of Absorption
Quantitative
Measurement
Analysis of the difference in the
concentration of a reactant
before and after exposure to
another substance can
determine the amount of
absorption ocurring.
Qualitative Measurement
Precipitation reactions and
chromatography are common
techniques used to identify and
determine the extent of
absorption in a system.
Spectrophotometry
Absorption of light at a certain
wavelength can be used to
determine the concentration of
a substance in a solution.

4. Applications of Absorption
1 Pharmaceuticals
The process of absorbing medicine in our body helps regulate drug
concentrations and ensure adequate treatment of diseases.
2 Environment
Absorption helps in wastewater treatment, soil conservation, and
contaminant remediation.
3 Food Industry
Absorption is a critical process to prepare flavorful and nutritious dishes such
as marination, infusion, and baking.

5. Challenges in Absorption Studies
1 Complexity in Biological
Systems
Biological systems have a vast
range of interacting molecules,
making it challenging to discern the
mechanism of absorption of even a
single substance.
2 Standardization of Methods
The use of different methods for
measuring different types of
absorption makes it difficult to
compare findings from different
studies.
3 Limited Access to Experimental Data
Obtaining experimental data is a complex and resource-intensive process; hence,
researchers may rely on computational models, leading to inaccurate findings.

6. Conclusion
Absorption has several critical applications in everyday life, including
medicine, food, and wastewater treatment. While challenges may exist in
absorption studies, its importance cannot be overstated, making it
necessary to continue elucidating and improving our understanding of the
process.

7. References
• Bowne, J. B., & Rubin, B. (1964). Absorption. Reinhold Publishing Corporation.
• Bashyal, S., & Singh, B. (2008). Absorption and its types. Kathmandu University Journal of
Science, Engineering, and Technology, 4(1), 101-106.
• Amann, A., & Peskin, A. P. (2018). Spectrophotometry. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.