Which term describes the attraction between molecules of different substances; in plants, attraction between unlike molecules?

Which term describes the attraction between molecules of different substances; in plants, attraction between unlike molecules?

• A. Adhesion
• B. Cohesion
• C. Polarization
• D. Hydration

Answer: (A)

Adhesion is the attraction between molecules of different substances. In plants, this means water molecules sticking to the surfaces of xylem cell walls, which helps water move upward through capillary action alongside cohesion (the attraction between water molecules themselves). This pairing enables water transport from roots to leaves. The other terms don’t capture this inter-substance attraction: cohesion is water–water, polarization is the uneven distribution of charge within a molecule, and hydration refers to water molecules surrounding ions or solutes rather than the general stickiness between different substances.

Adhesion is the attraction between molecules of different substances. In plants, this means water molecules sticking to the surfaces of xylem cell walls, which helps water move upward through capillary action alongside cohesion (the attraction between water molecules themselves). This pairing enables water transport from roots to leaves. The other terms don’t capture this inter-substance attraction: cohesion is water–water, polarization is the uneven distribution of charge within a molecule, and hydration refers to water molecules surrounding ions or solutes rather than the general stickiness between different substances.