The tutor shares the term adsorption, which he recently discovered.

Apparently, adsorption is the event when free-moving molecules become attached to a solid surface. It perhaps can be witnessed when water fogs a windshield. Another example is the use of a charcoal filter to remove organic molecules. Such might be the case inside a stove fan that recirculates air: the air is pushed against a charcoal filter, where the smoke particles become lodged.

With the more familiar absorption, the absorbed molecules aren’t just held on the surface, but move in among the molecules of the absorbing medium.

Source:

Mortimer, Charles E. Chemistry, 6th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth, 1986.

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.