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

• A. Cohesion is the attraction between water and air, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules.
• B. Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.
• C. Cohesion and adhesion both refer to the attraction between water molecules only.
• D. Cohesion is responsible for capillary action, while adhesion is responsible for surface tension.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by defining the terms 'cohesion' and 'adhesion' in the context of water molecules. Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, while adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and other substances.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Identify which statements correctly describe the relationship between cohesion and adhesion in water.
3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options by comparing them to the definitions. For example, cohesion is not the attraction between water and air, and adhesion does not refer to the attraction between water molecules only.
4. Step 4: Consider the role of cohesion and adhesion in physical phenomena. Cohesion contributes to surface tension, while adhesion plays a role in capillary action, where water adheres to the walls of a narrow tube and moves upward.
5. Step 5: Select the correct answer based on the definitions and examples provided. The correct answer is: 'Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.'