Cohesion is the force by which the various particles of the same material are kept in contact, forming one continuous mass. Its action is seen in a solid mass of matter, the parts of which cohere with a certain force which resists any mechanical action that would tend to separate them. In different bodies it is exerted with different degrees of strength, and it is measured by the force necessary to pull them asunder. Cohesion acts at insensible distances, or between particles in contact, and is thus distinguished from the attraction of gravitation. It unites particles into a single mass, and that without producing any change of properties, and is thus distinguished from adhesion, which takes place between different masses or substances; and from chemical attraction or affinity, which unites particles of a different kind together and produces a new substance. Hardness, softness, tenacity, elasticity, malleability, and ductility are to be considered as modifications of cohesion. The great antagonist of cohesion is heat. Research Cohesion
Abbreviations
SciTech
Research Cohesion