Capillary Action Quiz

What is the primary driving force behind capillary action?

What is the origin of the term 'capillary'?

Which material does NOT demonstrate capillary action?

Who was the first recorded person to observe capillary action?

What did Robert Boyle report about capillary action in 1660?

What is the primary cause of capillary action?

What did Robert Boyle report about capillary action in 1660?

What is the etymology of the term 'capillary'?

What did Leonardo da Vinci contribute to the understanding of capillary action?

Which materials demonstrate capillary action?

Capillary Action Overview

Primary driving force behind capillary action is the combination of adhesion (attraction to the surface of a material) and cohesion (attraction between similar molecules).
In fluids, capillary action is observed when liquid rises or falls in a narrow space or tube.

Origin of the Term 'Capillary'

The term 'capillary' originates from the Latin word "capillaris," meaning "hair-like," which reflects the narrow tubes and spaces involved in this phenomenon.

Materials and Capillary Action

Materials that demonstrate capillary action include water, alcohol, and mercury; however, mercury has a different behavior due to its cohesive properties.
Materials that do NOT demonstrate capillary action include non-polar liquids like oils that do not adhere well to surfaces.

Historical Observations

The first recorded observation of capillary action is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, who studied its effects in liquids.
Robert Boyle reported on capillary action in 1660, noting its significance in the movement of liquids in tubes and soils, contributing to early scientific understanding.

Causes of Capillary Action

The primary cause of capillary action is surface tension, which arises from the cohesive forces within a liquid, coupled with adhesive forces acting between the liquid and the surrounding material.

Test your knowledge on the phenomenon of capillary action, where liquids flow in narrow spaces without external forces. Learn about its applications in various materials and how it is observed in everyday objects.