Capillary Tube Behavior in a Gravityless Environment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of water in a capillary tube when placed in a gravityless environment, specifically within a freely falling elevator. Initially, the water rises to 8 cm due to adhesive forces before gravity dominates. However, in free fall, the relative acceleration is zero, allowing the water to rise to the full length of the capillary tube, which is 20 cm. This conclusion is supported by the understanding of fluid dynamics and the forces acting on the water column.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capillary action and adhesion forces
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of gravitational effects on fluids
  • Familiarity with theoretical physics concepts related to free fall
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of capillary action in different gravitational environments
  • Study fluid dynamics equations relevant to capillary tubes
  • Explore the effects of zero gravity on fluid behavior
  • Learn about the implications of free fall on liquid columns in physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in fluid dynamics, particularly in understanding capillary action in varying gravitational conditions.

Navin
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Homework Statement


A 20 cm long capillary tube is dipled in water.The water rises up to 8cm .if the entire arrangement is put in a freely falling elevator ,the length of the water column is

A)10cm

B)8cm

C)20cm

D)4cm

Homework Equations


Its a theoretical sum

The Attempt at a Solution


Okay...since this is a freely falling elevator ,the reletive accelaration will be zero and hence i feel the fluid will maintain its orignal height of 8cm

But alas ,the book says its 20cm and have give the reason that since its "gravityless" ie :rel accelaration 0, it will occupy full capillary tube.

[Edit 1 -fixed a typo
Edit 2 - i wrote about what i did in Edit 1]
 
Last edited:
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What are the forces acting on the column of water in the capillary before you put it in the elevator? What force is pulling the water up the capillary against gravity?
 
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Chandra Prayaga said:
What are the forces acting on the column of water in the capillary before you put it in the elevator? What force is pulling the water up the capillary against gravity?

Oh ! I think i got it !
Case 1
Alright ,so before we put the fluid in the elevator we have forces of adhesion pulling water up the capillary tube,but one it reaches a certain hieght ,force of gravity dominates and hence it can't go further

Case 2
During free fall there is nothing to stop the liquid from rising ,that is ,due to adhesion the liquid continues to rise until it occupies full cappilary tube !
 
Hence the answer should be 20 cm right ?
 

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