Infinite flow with capillary tubes?

In summary, "Infinite flow with capillary tubes" explores the concept of fluid dynamics within capillary tubes, emphasizing how their small diameter can facilitate continuous fluid movement under certain conditions. The study highlights the balance between cohesive and adhesive forces in liquids, which can lead to phenomena like capillary action, allowing for the transport of fluids even against gravity. Applications of this principle can be found in various fields, including biology and engineering, where managing fluid flow is crucial.
  • #1
Warp
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I was watching this YouTube video by the channel The Action Lab:

At one point it shows this capillary tube phenomenon:

capillary_tubes.jpg


It got me immediately thinking: Conservation of energy much?

What's stopping that second tube from being bent into draining into the leftmost tube, thus creating an infinite loop of flowing water, which ought to be impossible because conservation of energy and stuff? If that were done, would there be some other phenomenon stopping the infinite flow of liquid? A perpetual motion machine shouldn't be possible.
 
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  • #2
Warp said:
A perpetual motion machine shouldn't be possible
It isn’t.

If the surface tension is stronger than gravity to lift it up then it is strong enough to keep it from draining. There will not be any flow
 
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