What does adsorption mean in relation to activated charcoal?

What does adsorption mean in relation to activated charcoal?

• A. It neutralizes toxins in the blood
• B. It dissolves toxins in the stomach
• C. It binds toxins to its surface to limit absorption
• D. It increases toxin production

Answer: (C)

Adsorption is the process of binding molecules to the surface of a material. Activated charcoal has an enormous surface area with many pores, so toxins present in the gut cling to its surface rather than remaining dissolved in the stomach contents. This physical binding forms a complex that stays in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted, reducing how much toxin can cross the gut wall into the bloodstream. It doesn’t neutralize toxins in the blood, nor does it dissolve toxins in the stomach, and it doesn’t increase toxin production.

Adsorption is the process of binding molecules to the surface of a material. Activated charcoal has an enormous surface area with many pores, so toxins present in the gut cling to its surface rather than remaining dissolved in the stomach contents. This physical binding forms a complex that stays in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted, reducing how much toxin can cross the gut wall into the bloodstream. It doesn’t neutralize toxins in the blood, nor does it dissolve toxins in the stomach, and it doesn’t increase toxin production.