Which term describes the attraction that causes two different surfaces to stick together?

The term that describes the attraction causing two different surfaces to stick together is adhesion. In the context of nail technology, understanding adhesion is crucial as it relates to how products such as nail enhancements, bonding agents, and finishes adhere to the natural nail and other materials.

Adhesion involves the intermolecular forces that help different substances—like a nail plate and polish or a nail tip—bond. This is significant for ensuring the longevity and durability of nail applications, as effective adhesion prevents lifting and chipping.

Cohesion, on the other hand, refers specifically to the attraction between similar molecules, which is not applicable when discussing the adhesion between different materials. Attraction can be a more general term and does not specifically denote the bond formed between different surfaces. Soldering is a process used in metalworking, which involves melting a filler metal to join two surfaces, and is not related to the interactions at play with nails. Understanding these distinctions is vital for successful nail application and maintenance.