Final answer:
The line between physisorption and chemisorption is species-specific, depending on the unique chemical properties and potential for chemical bonding of the species involved. Physisorption is governed by weak forces, while chemisorption involves stronger chemical bond formation and electron transfer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction between physisorption and chemisorption is indeed species-specific, with differences hinging on the unique chemical properties of each species. Physisorption occurs through weak van der Waals forces and usually involves no transfer of electrons. In contrast, chemisorption involves the formation of chemical bonds between the absorbent and adsorbate, which may result in electron transfer, a change in the electronic structure, and higher activation energies.
The chemical potential and ionic character of molecules, predicted by quantum mechanics and informed by attributes such as dipole moments and electronegativity differences, play significant roles in differentiating between physisorption and chemisorption. Species with large differences in electronegativity tend to form ionic or polar covalent bonds, influencing their potential to engage in chemisorption.
Additionally, the specific conditions under which absorption takes place, like the presence of an external force, chemical potential differences, and the kinetics of adsorption (e.g., reaction-limited or diffusion-limited growth), can determine the stability and nature of the adsorption process for a particular species. Thus, the line between physisorption and chemisorption is specific to the chemical nature and behavior of each species involved.