The word "cohesive substance" is spelled phonetically as /kəʊˈhiːsɪv ˈsʌbstəns/. The sound /k/ is made by pushing air out through the back of the mouth, while the /s/ sound is produced by forcing air through the narrow gap between the upper and lower teeth. The word "cohesive" refers to something that sticks together, and "substance" refers to a material or matter. When combined, they create a term for a material that holds things together. The correct spelling of this term is important for clear communication and understanding.
Cohesive substance refers to a material or substance that exhibits a strong attraction or bond between its individual particles or components, resulting in the ability to stick together or hold together as a single unit. This adherence or internal bonding is the primary characteristic of cohesive substances, allowing them to resist separation or fragmentation.
Cohesive substances can be found in various forms, such as solids, liquids, or even gases. In solids, cohesive forces typically arise from intermolecular attractions, such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, or even metallic bonding. These attractive forces cause the particles or molecules to closely interact with each other, leading to a tightly bound and compact structure that resists external forces.
In the case of liquids, cohesive forces are responsible for the maintenance of surface tension and the ability of liquids to form droplets or cling to surfaces. These forces arise from intermolecular attractions between the liquid molecules, which allow them to flow smoothly and maintain a uniform shape.
Even gases can exhibit cohesive behavior, mainly through weak intermolecular forces. These forces are responsible for gas molecules remaining close together despite their high kinetic energy, allowing them to occupy a defined volume. This cohesive force also determines the vapor pressure and boiling point of a substance.
In conclusion, a cohesive substance is one that possesses strong internal attractive forces, enabling it to stick together, hold its shape, or maintain a compact structure. This characteristic provides the substance with stability and resistance to separation or fragmentation, making it an essential property in various physical and chemical processes.
The word "cohesive" comes from the Latin word "cohaerēre", which means "to stick together" or "to adhere". The term "substance" originates from the Latin word "substantia", which refers to "that which underlies or stands as a foundation". Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "cohesive substance" combines the Latin roots for "sticking together" and "underlying foundation".