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  1. Capillary action - Wikipedia

    Capillary action (sometimes called capillarity, capillary motion, capillary rise, capillary effect, or wicking) is the process of a liquid flowing in a narrow space without the assistance of external …

  2. Capillary Action - What It Is and How It Works

    Feb 27, 2022 · Capillary action is fluid flow through a narrow tube or space from surface tension, cohesion, and adhesion. For example, if you place a thin tube into water, the water flows up …

  3. Capillary Action: Definition and Examples - Science Facts

    Jul 28, 2023 · Capillary action is a phenomenon in which liquid flows through a narrow tube without the assistance of any force. It refers to the ascension of liquid through a capillary tube …

  4. Capillary Action: Why Liquids Climb Walls and Rise in Tubes

    This lesson explains capillary action, the balance of cohesive and adhesive forces at liquid surfaces, and how liquids move in thin tubes and porous materials.

  5. Capillary Action and Water | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov

    Jun 5, 2018 · Plants and trees couldn't thrive without capillary action. Capillary action helps bring water up into the roots. With the help of adhesion and cohesion, water can work its way all the …

  6. 11.8 Cohesion and Adhesion in Liquids: Surface Tension and Capillary

    One important phenomenon related to the relative strength of cohesive and adhesive forces is capillary action —the tendency of a fluid to be raised or suppressed in a narrow tube, or …

  7. What Is Capillary Action? Definition and Examples - ThoughtCo

    Jan 9, 2020 · Capillary action is defined as the spontaneous flow of a liquid into a narrow tube or porous material. This movement does not require the force of gravity to occur. In fact, it often …

  8. What Is Capillary Action and How Does It Work? A Simple …

    Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow against gravity in narrow spaces. You've likely observed this phenomenon in everyday life, such as when a paper towel absorbs spilled water …

  9. Surface Tension, Interfacial Forces & Adhesion - Britannica

    Sep 16, 2025 · These attractive forces just balance the force of gravity of the column of water that has risen to a characteristic height. The narrower the bore of the capillary tube, the higher the …

  10. Capillary Action - GeeksforGeeks

    Jul 23, 2025 · The intermolecular attraction of the water molecules and the adhesive force between the capillary walls and the liquid cause capillary action. Here, we will learn about …