What is the chemical process by which a sorbate interacts with a solid sorbent surface?

The correct answer is the process of adsorption. This is the interaction in which a sorbate, which can be a liquid or gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid sorbent, forming a thin film. During adsorption, the molecules of the sorbate adhere to the surface of the sorbent without penetrating its bulk. This surface phenomenon is critical in various applications, including water treatment, air purification, and in the field of hazardous materials.

In contrast, absorption refers to the process where a substance is taken up into the interior of another material, which is not what occurs in adsorption. Advection describes the transport of substances, typically in fluids, due to the bulk movement of the fluid itself and does not specifically relate to the interaction between sorbates and sorbents. Dilution involves mixing a substance with a solvent to reduce its concentration, which also does not pertain to the sorbate-sorbent interaction. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the concept of adsorption and its relevance in environmental and hazardous material management.