Which statement best describes the difference between cohesion and adhesion in water?

• A. Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.
• B. Cohesion causes water to stick to glass surfaces, while adhesion causes water to form droplets.
• C. Cohesion is the attraction between water and air, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules.
• D. Cohesion and adhesion both refer to the attraction between water molecules only.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concepts of cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, such as water molecules attracting each other due to hydrogen bonding. Adhesion refers to the attraction between molecules of different substances, such as water molecules attracting to a glass surface.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.' This aligns with the definitions of cohesion and adhesion, making it a strong candidate for the correct answer.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Cohesion causes water to stick to glass surfaces, while adhesion causes water to form droplets.' This is incorrect because cohesion does not cause water to stick to glass; adhesion is responsible for water sticking to other surfaces like glass. Cohesion, on the other hand, contributes to the formation of droplets due to water molecules sticking together.
4. Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'Cohesion is the attraction between water and air, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules.' This is incorrect because cohesion does not involve attraction between water and air; it specifically refers to the attraction between water molecules. Adhesion involves attraction between water and other substances, not just water molecules.
5. Step 5: Review the fourth statement: 'Cohesion and adhesion both refer to the attraction between water molecules only.' This is incorrect because adhesion involves attraction between water molecules and other substances, not just water molecules. Cohesion is specific to water molecules attracting each other.