Difference between revisions of "Absorption"
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| − | ''' | + | In general, '''absorption''' is the movement of a substance into another substance. Different disciplines use absorption in different ways. |
| − | + | ==Biology== | |
| − | + | In [[biology]], absoprtion refers to to the the movement of dissolved substances into [[cell]]s. | |
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| + | ==Chemistry== | ||
| + | In [[chemistry]], absorption is when a [[solute]] in one phase crosses a [[phase boundary]] into another phase. It is generally called absorption when the goal is to move a solute into another phase; when the goal is to move the solute out of a phase, it is called [[adsorption]]. | ||
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| + | ==Physics== | ||
| + | In [[physics]], absorption is the process by which radiant [[energy]] is retained by a substance. A further process always results from absorption, that is, the irreversible conversion of the absorbed radiation into some other form of energy within and according to the nature of the absorbing medium. The absorbing medium itself may emit radiation, but only after an energy conversion has occurred. | ||
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[[Category:Biology]] | [[Category:Biology]] | ||
[[Category:Chemistry]] | [[Category:Chemistry]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Physics]] | ||
Revision as of 00:22, September 14, 2007
In general, absorption is the movement of a substance into another substance. Different disciplines use absorption in different ways.
Biology
In biology, absoprtion refers to to the the movement of dissolved substances into cells.
Chemistry
In chemistry, absorption is when a solute in one phase crosses a phase boundary into another phase. It is generally called absorption when the goal is to move a solute into another phase; when the goal is to move the solute out of a phase, it is called adsorption.
Physics
In physics, absorption is the process by which radiant energy is retained by a substance. A further process always results from absorption, that is, the irreversible conversion of the absorbed radiation into some other form of energy within and according to the nature of the absorbing medium. The absorbing medium itself may emit radiation, but only after an energy conversion has occurred.
