Which term describes the process by which chemicals are held to a surface through attraction?

The term that accurately describes the process by which chemicals are held to a surface through attraction is adsorption. This process involves the adherence of molecules from a gas or liquid phase to a solid surface, resulting from various intermolecular forces. In adsorption, the molecules do not penetrate into the solid material but rather form a layer on its surface.

This is distinct from absorption, where substances are taken up within the volume of another material. Additionally, diffusion refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which does not specifically involve adherence to a surface. Translocation typically relates to the movement of substances within an organism, particularly in biological systems, and is not relevant in the context of surface attachment. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in fields such as pest management, as different processes affect how pesticides interact with surfaces and thus their effectiveness.