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what is the difference between absorption and adsorption?

• It is surface phenomenon i.e. it occurs only at the surface of the adsorbent.   
  
• In this phenomenon, the concentration on the surface of adsorbent is different from that in the bulk.   
  
• Its rate is high in the beginning and then decreases till equilibrium is attained.    
  

• It is bulk phenomenon i.e. it occurs throughout the body of the material.
• In this phenomenon, the concentration is same throughout the material.
• Its rate remains same throughout the process.