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AlchemistK
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Cohesive forces holds stuff together, these forces being strongest in solids. However, why don't things (say, a stone) stick back together if I push them close?
Cohesive forces are the attractive forces between molecules of the same substance. These forces hold molecules together and contribute to the cohesive strength of the substance.
Cohesive forces play a significant role in the properties of materials. They determine the strength, flexibility, and other physical characteristics of the material. For example, materials with strong cohesive forces tend to be more solid and rigid, while those with weaker cohesive forces are more fluid and easily deformable.
When things break, the cohesive forces are overcome by external forces, causing the bonds between molecules to break. The magnitude of the cohesive forces determines the amount of energy required to break the material. Stronger cohesive forces result in a higher breaking energy, making the material more difficult to break.
Yes, cohesive forces can be altered by changing the conditions of the material. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition can affect the strength of cohesive forces. For example, increasing the temperature of a material can weaken the cohesive forces and make it easier to break.
Cohesive forces and adhesive forces are closely related. Adhesive forces are the attractive forces between molecules of different substances, while cohesive forces are the attractive forces between molecules of the same substance. In some cases, adhesive forces can be stronger than cohesive forces, causing materials to stick together. This is why certain materials, such as glue, are designed to have high adhesive forces.