Why does water defy gravity and seep upward through a paper towel?

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Water seeps upward through a paper towel due to capillary action, a phenomenon essential for plant hydration as it allows water to move from roots to leaves. This process involves the interplay of cohesion and adhesion, where water molecules are attracted to the fibers of the paper towel, enabling them to rise against gravity. Surface tension plays a role, but it is not merely a quirk; it is a fundamental property of liquids. The discussion highlights the importance of capillary action in both everyday scenarios and biological systems. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping how water and nutrients are transported in nature.
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Why will water seep upward, against gravity, through a paper towel that has one end dipped in it? Is it some quirk of surface tension?
 
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I wouldn't call it a quirk. It is a very common phenomenom, most important for plants, where water goes from the roots to the rest of the plant, carrying nutrients.
 

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