cohesion The tendency of different parts of a substance to hold together. Cohesion is due to forces acting between its molecules: a molecule will repel one close to it but attract one that is farther away; somewhere between these is a position where work must be done to either separate the molecules or push them together. This situation results in both cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion is strongest in a solid, less strong in a liquid, and least strong in a gas; its strength decreases with rise in temperature. Related categories PROPERTIES OF MATTER PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |