Capillary Action Quiz

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.