What is the difference between physisorption and chemisorption-

Question

Toppr Admin · Accepted Answer

-xA0-Physisorption -Physical adsorption-Chemisorption -Chemical adsorption- Weak van der Waals forces are present between the adsorbate molecules and the adsorbent-Strong chemical forces similar to chemical bonds are present between the adsorbate molecules and the adsorbent-The enthalpy of adsorption is low -20 to 40 kJ-mol-The enthalpy of adsorption is high -40 to 400 kJ-mol-xA0-Occurs at low temperature and decreases with an increase in temperature- Occurs at high temperature and increases with increase in temperature-xA0- It is reversible-It is irreversible-xA0-No significant activation energy is required-Usually- high activation energy is required- It forms multimolecular layers-It forms unimolecular layers-

Physisorption (Physical adsorption)	Chemisorption (Chemical adsorption)
Weak van der Waals forces are present between the adsorbate molecules and the adsorbent.	Strong chemical forces similar to chemical bonds are present between the adsorbate molecules and the adsorbent.
The enthalpy of adsorption is low (20 to 40 kJ/mol).	The enthalpy of adsorption is high (40 to 400 kJ/mol).
Occurs at low temperature and decreases with an increase in temperature.	Occurs at high temperature and increases with increase in temperature.
It is reversible.	It is irreversible.
No significant activation energy is required.	Usually, high activation energy is required.
It forms multimolecular layers.	It forms unimolecular layers.

What is the difference between physisorption and chemisorption?