Which of the following can hinder the process of adsorption?

Humidity can hinder the process of adsorption because it affects the interactions between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. In adsorptive processes, water vapor in the air can compete with the target molecules for the available adsorption sites on the surface of the adsorbent. This competition can reduce the efficiency of the adsorption process, leading to lower uptake of the desired substances.

For example, in environments with high humidity levels, the presence of water molecules on the surface can block or occupy adsorption sites that would otherwise be available for the specific contaminants or particulates intended to be captured. This interaction can lead to undesirable outcomes in filtration or purification applications, where the goal is to effectively adsorb specific compounds from a gas or liquid phase.

Other factors like temperature gradients, particle size, and air pressure also play roles in adsorption processes, but humidity particularly influences the availability and occupation of adsorption sites, making it a significant hindrance in various applications.