Final answer:
Some things stick together due to adhesive forces between different molecules, cohesive forces between identical molecules, and chemical bonds. These forces account for phenomena such as materials sticking to surfaces, the formation of stable substances, and the property of surface tension in liquids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand deals with why some things stick together while others do not. There are several reasons for this, including adhesive forces, cohesive forces, chemical bonding, and surface tension:
- Adhesive forces are attractive forces between molecules of different types. These forces can cause materials to stick to different surfaces.
- Cohesive forces are forces that bind molecules of the same type together. This effect is a primary reason for the occurrence of surface tension, which is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to the cohesive nature of its molecules.
- Chemical bonding, such as covalent or ionic bonds, is responsible for holding atoms together within a molecule or compound, leading to the formation of stable groups of atoms that we recognize as distinct substances.
- Magnetic attraction, while it can cause certain metals to stick together, isn't typically responsible for the cohesion or adhesion observed in most everyday materials.
Therefore, the forces responsible for some things sticking together while others don't include adhesive and cohesive forces, as well as chemical bonding, each playing a role depending on the materials and circumstances involved.