Read the Assertion and Reason below and choose the correct option. — Surface Chemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Surface particles experience unbalanced residual attractive forces, giving them a higher state of energy called surface energy, so Statement I is true. Adsorption satisfies these residual forces and thus decreases surface energy, making Statement II true as well. However, the decrease of surface energy during adsorption does not explain the inherent higher energy of surface particles prior to adsorption. Therefore, correct answer is B.