Answer :
Final answer:
In outer space, due to the lack of a significant gravitational force, water in a capillary tube would rise to the height of the tube itself, which in the provided scenario is 20 cm.
Explanation:
The capillary rise of water in a capillary tube occurs due to the intermolecular forces between the liquid and the surface of the tube, predominantly surface tension and adhesive forces. In the presence of a gravitational field, such as on Earth, the capillary rise occurs against the force of gravity. However, in outer space, where there is a lack of a significant gravitational force, the water would not just rise to a certain height and stop; instead, it would keep rising until it reaches the top of the tube or until the adhesive forces are balanced by other factors.
Therefore, in outer space, assuming the absence of any other hindrance, water would rise to fill the entire capillary tube, regardless of its height. In the example given, the height of the capillary rise in the 20 cm tube would be 20 cm, since gravity is not acting to limit the rise, and the cohesive and adhesive forces would draw the liquid up to fill the tube.
