Rise of Water in a 20 cm Capillary Tube

In summary, the discussion is about a capillary tube being dipped in water and the water rising to a certain height. The question is whether in a free falling elevator, the water will overflow or remain at the same height. The conclusion is that due to the adhesive force and surface tension, the water will form a hemispherical surface at the end of the tube and not overflow. The orientation of the hemisphere depends on the capillary tube and the liquid used.
  • #1
vissh
82
0
hello :)

Homework Statement


(Q)A 20 cm long capillary tube is dipped in water.The water rises up to 8 cm . If the entire arrangement is put in a freely falling elevator, the length of water column in the capillary tube will be
<a>8 cm <b>6 cm <c>10 cm <d>20 cm

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


From the elevator frame, the fluid will be weightless and only force on the "fluid in capillary's" upper part will be S[2(pie)r]cosA upwards{where A is the contact angle}
It will make the fluid rise and rise and reach 20 cm.
I want to ask will the fluid then overflow or will remain at the 20 cm mark.
I think It will overflow as the accleration will be upwards and even if the acceleration vanishes, due to velocity gained by fluid,it should overflow.
What you think oO
Thanks for reading ^.^
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The adhesive force and the surface tension are independent of gravitational force. when the liquid reaches the en of the tube, instead of overflowing, it forms a hemispherical surface. At the edge, force due to surface tension balance the adhesive force between liquid and glass. hence the liquid doe not overflow.
 
  • #3
Thanks :)
One more question :- Will the hemisphere upwards or downwards?? Or it depends on capillary tube and the liquid taken??
 
  • #4
vissh said:
Thanks :)
One more question :- Will the hemisphere upwards or downwards?? Or it depends on capillary tube and the liquid taken??
Hemisphere will be upwards except in mercury. but mercury will not rise in the capillary.
 
  • #5
Thanku :)
 
  • #6
vissh said:
Thanku :)

welcome.
 

1. What causes the rise of water in a 20 cm capillary tube?

The rise of water in a 20 cm capillary tube is caused by capillary action, which is the result of intermolecular forces between the water molecules and the molecules of the tube's material. This creates a surface tension that pulls the water up the tube.

2. How does the diameter of the capillary tube affect the rise of water?

The diameter of the capillary tube has a direct effect on the rise of water. The smaller the diameter, the higher the water will rise due to the increased surface tension between the water and the tube's material.

3. What is the relationship between the height of water rise and the surface tension of water?

The height of water rise is directly proportional to the surface tension of water. As the surface tension increases, the water will rise higher in the capillary tube.

4. Does the type of liquid affect the rise of water in a capillary tube?

Yes, the type of liquid does affect the rise of water in a capillary tube. Liquids with a higher surface tension, such as water, will rise higher in a capillary tube compared to liquids with lower surface tension.

5. How does gravity play a role in the rise of water in a 20 cm capillary tube?

Gravity plays a minor role in the rise of water in a 20 cm capillary tube. While it does contribute to the overall force pulling the water up the tube, it is not the main factor. The intermolecular forces and surface tension between the water and the tube's material are the primary drivers of capillary action.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
12K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top