What process is described as atoms, ions, or molecules adhering to a surface?

The process described as atoms, ions, or molecules adhering to a surface is known as adsorption. In adsorption, the particles attach themselves to the surface of a solid or liquid, forming a layer of substance on that surface. This contrasts with absorption, where a substance permeates or is incorporated within another material, such as a sponge absorbing water.

Adsorption is significant in various applications, including filtration, catalysis, and in environmental management where contaminants are removed from air or water by binding to surfaces. Understanding this process is crucial in the context of hazardous materials response, as it affects how substances behave in an environment and how they can be mitigated or contained during an incident.