Certain molecules and ions, when dispersed in a liquid, spontaneously move to the liquid interface where their concentration exceeds that in the bulk liquid. This phenomenon, called positive adsorption, reduces the surface free energy and surface tension of the system. In contrast, some materials like inorganic electrolytes are partitioned toward the bulk liquid, increasing surface free energy and tension in a process termed negative adsorption. Adsorption only affects the surface, unlike absorption which involves penetration into the absorbing medium.