What is the term for the attraction between molecules of different substances?

The term that describes the attraction between molecules of different substances is adhesion. Adhesion occurs when molecules of different substances, such as water and glass, attract each other due to intermolecular forces. This phenomenon is significant in various biological and physical processes, such as capillary action, where water moves upward through narrow spaces against gravity within plant xylem or narrow tubes.

Understanding adhesion is crucial in veterinary medicine as it plays a role in how fluids interact with materials in medical equipment and in the body. For instance, it helps determine how well certain fluids will adhere to tissues or devices used in procedures.

Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, solvation involves the process of solvent molecules surrounding and interacting with solute molecules, and polarization relates to the distribution of electrical charge leading to the concept of dipoles. These terms highlight different aspects of molecular interactions but do not define the specific phenomenon of attraction between different types of molecules.