Cohesion refers to which property of molecules?

Cohesion is the property of molecules that describes the attraction between molecules of the same substance. This phenomenon occurs due to intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding in water, which allow molecules to stick together. For example, in water, cohesion results in surface tension, allowing small objects to float on its surface and enabling plants to draw water from their roots to their leaves.

This definition distinguishes cohesion from other concepts like adhesion, which involves attraction between different substances. While resistance to temperature change relates to specific heat, and the ability to form solutions pertains to solubility and interactions between different substances, they do not accurately define cohesion. Therefore, understanding that cohesion specifically involves similar molecules interacting with one another is crucial for grasping why the choice indicating attraction between molecules of the same substance is the correct understanding of cohesion.