Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which two properties of water are primarily responsible for capillary action?
A
High specific heat and surface tension
B
Solubility and viscosity
C
Cohesion and adhesion
D
Density and polarity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of capillary action: Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, such as gravity. This phenomenon is crucial in biological systems, such as water transport in plants.
Identify the key properties of water involved in capillary action: Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, while adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and other surfaces.
Explain how cohesion contributes to capillary action: Cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, forming a continuous column of water that can move upward in narrow spaces.
Explain how adhesion contributes to capillary action: Adhesion enables water molecules to cling to the walls of narrow tubes or surfaces, helping the liquid to rise against gravity.
Relate these properties to biological systems: In plants, cohesion and adhesion work together to transport water from roots to leaves through xylem vessels, demonstrating the importance of these properties in capillary action.