The term sorption stands for……….

Options

A. absorption
B. adsorption
C. both absorption and adsorption
D. desorption

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Sorption":**
- Sorption is a general term that encompasses two specific processes: adsorption and absorption. It refers to the process by which one substance becomes attached to another.

2. **Defining Adsorption:**
- Adsorption is the process where molecules adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid. It is a surface phenomenon, meaning that the molecules do not penetrate the bulk of the material but instead form a layer on its surface.

3. **Defining Absorption:**
- Absorption, on the other hand, involves the uptake of a substance by another substance, where the absorbed material penetrates into the bulk of the absorbing material. This is a bulk phenomenon.

4. **Understanding the Relationship Between Adsorption and Absorption:**
- In many cases, both adsorption and absorption can occur simultaneously. When a substance is sorbed, it can mean that some of it is being absorbed into the bulk while some is adhering to the surface.

5. **Analyzing the Options:**
- Option 1: Absorption - This is incorrect because sorption includes both processes.
- Option 2: Adsorption - This is also incorrect for the same reason.
- Option 3: Both adsorption and absorption - This is correct as it encompasses both processes.
- Option 4: Desorption - This is incorrect as desorption refers to the process of a substance being released from a surface, which is not what sorption means.

6. **Conclusion:**
- The correct answer is option 3, which states that sorption refers to both adsorption and absorption.