High School

Draw diagrams showing the capillary action of:

a) Water in three tubes of different radii.
b) Mercury in three tubes of different radii.

Answer :

Capillary action can be defined as the ascension of liquids through slim tube

What is the capillary effect of water and mercury?

Positive capillary rise occurs in the water-filled tube when the water sticks to the walls, slightly raising the fluid level. There is a negative capillary increase in the mercury tube. The fluid somewhat sinks as a result of being drawn away from the tube walls.

In a glass capillary tube, mercury falls while water rises. Everything is dependent upon two factors: the mensicus's form and surface tension. In turn, the relative strengths of cohesive and adhesive forces determine the meniscus's form.