What does capillary action refer to?

What does capillary action refer to?

• A. Movement of large volumes of water through rivers
• B. Transportation of water through pipes and channels
• C. Movement of water through small spaces due to molecular forces
• D. Guidance of water through gravitational pull

Answer: (C)

Capillary action refers to the movement of water through small spaces due to molecular forces, specifically adhesion and cohesion. In this process, water molecules are attracted to the walls of small tubes or spaces (adhesion) and to each other (cohesion). This combination allows water to rise or be drawn into narrow tubes or porous materials, such as soil or plant roots, even against the force of gravity. This principle is crucial in various natural and practical applications, such as how plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil, how water moves through the tiny pores of materials, and even in the behavior of liquids in small conduits. Understanding capillary action is essential for water operators, as it affects water distribution systems, irrigation, and the management of water resources.

Capillary action refers to the movement of water through small spaces due to molecular forces, specifically adhesion and cohesion. In this process, water molecules are attracted to the walls of small tubes or spaces (adhesion) and to each other (cohesion). This combination allows water to rise or be drawn into narrow tubes or porous materials, such as soil or plant roots, even against the force of gravity.

This principle is crucial in various natural and practical applications, such as how plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil, how water moves through the tiny pores of materials, and even in the behavior of liquids in small conduits. Understanding capillary action is essential for water operators, as it affects water distribution systems, irrigation, and the management of water resources.