- #1
SDewan
- 32
- 1
When there is Capillary rise in tube of insufficient length, why does not the liquid overflow?
Is this attraction due to adhesive - cohesive forces?russ_watters said:Capillary action is attractive: it pulls water into a tube.
Capillary rise is the process by which a liquid, such as water, moves up a narrow tube or capillary due to the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules and the adhesive forces between the liquid and the tube walls.
In a tube of insufficient length, the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules are strong enough to overcome the force of gravity, causing the liquid to rise above the level of the liquid in the reservoir.
The rate of capillary rise in a tube of insufficient length is influenced by several factors, including the surface tension of the liquid, the diameter of the tube, and the contact angle between the liquid and the tube walls. Additionally, the density and viscosity of the liquid, as well as the gravitational force, can also impact the capillary rise.
Capillary rise in tubes of insufficient length is a commonly observed phenomenon in nature, such as in plant roots and the movement of groundwater. It is also utilized in various technologies, such as wicking in candles and the ink in fountain pens.
The height of capillary rise in a tube of insufficient length can be measured using a ruler or a graduated cylinder. The rate of capillary rise can be calculated using the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, which takes into account the tube diameter, liquid viscosity, and surface tension.