By which process do chemicals pass into and through material on a molecular level?

The correct answer, permeation, refers to the process by which chemicals penetrate through a material on a molecular level. This process involves the movement of molecules from one side of a barrier, like rubber gloves, protective clothing, or building materials, to the other side. It is essential to understand permeation in the context of hazardous materials because it can impact the effectiveness and integrity of personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment materials.

In the case of permeation, it specifically highlights the ability of substances, often hazardous chemicals, to migrate through materials, a concern for safety in hazardous environments. This distinction is critical as it emphasizes that while a material might seem protective, chemicals may gradually pass through it without any visible indication, potentially exposing individuals to danger.

The other processes, while related to the movement of materials, do not specifically describe the molecular transfer through a barrier. For example, diffusion pertains to the net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to one of lower concentration but does not necessarily imply movement through a barrier. Absorption involves the uptake of a substance into the bulk of another material rather than through it. Evaporation, on the other hand, concerns the transformation of liquid into vapor rather than chemical transmission through another material.