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Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narrow spaces without the assistance of, and most of the time in opposition to, external forces such as gravity. In this context, which of the following phenomena involve capillary action?
A sponge absorbing water.
  • Burning of a candle.
  • Roots of plants drawing water from the soil.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    • a)
      1 only
    • b)
      2 only
    • c)
      1 and 2 only
    • d)
      1, 2 and 3
    Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
    Most Upvoted Answer
    Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narr...

    Capillary Action in Different Phenomena:

    Sponge Absorbing Water:
    - When a sponge comes in contact with water, capillary action causes the water to be drawn into the narrow spaces within the sponge.
    - The water moves against gravity due to the cohesive and adhesive forces between the water molecules and the sponge material.

    Burning of a Candle:
    - Capillary action plays a role in the burning of a candle as it draws the melted wax up the wick.
    - The capillary action in the wick allows the liquid wax to move upwards and fuel the flame.

    Roots of Plants Drawing Water from the Soil:
    - Capillary action is essential for plants to draw water from the soil through their roots.
    - The water moves upwards from the soil to the roots through tiny capillaries in the soil and plant tissues.

    Overall, capillary action is involved in all three phenomena mentioned in the question - sponge absorbing water, burning of a candle, and roots of plants drawing water from the soil.
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    Community Answer
    Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narr...
    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. It often acts in opposition to gravity.
    Capillary action is sometimes called capillary motion, capillarity, or wicking. Capillary action is caused by the combination of cohesive forces of the liquid and the adhesive forces between the liquid and tube material.
    Cohesion and adhesion are two types of intermolecular forces. These forces pull the liquid into the tube. In order for wicking to occur, a tube needs to be sufficiently small in diameter.
    Examples of capillary action include:
    • Capillary action in plants is one of the most essential processes which helps them to survive. The roots of plants draw water via capillary action from the soil, and thus, supply it to various parts of the plant including the stems, branches, and leaves. Hence option 3 is correct.
    • A candle burns due to capillary action. When the wick of a candle is lit, the heat of the flame causes the candle wax to melt. The molten wax is then pulled up through the wick by capillary action and supplies the fuel needed to sustain the fire and keep the candle burning. Hence option 2 is correct.
    • Pores in the sponge act as minute capillaries, causing them to absorb a large number of liquids. Hence option 1 is correct.
    • Other examples include uptake of water in paper and plaster (two porous materials), the movement of water through sand etc.
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    Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narrow spaces without the assistance of, and most of the time in opposition to, external forces such as gravity. In this context, which of the following phenomena involve capillary action? A sponge absorbing water. Burning of a candle. Roots of plants drawing water from the soil. Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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    Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narrow spaces without the assistance of, and most of the time in opposition to, external forces such as gravity. In this context, which of the following phenomena involve capillary action? A sponge absorbing water. Burning of a candle. Roots of plants drawing water from the soil. Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narrow spaces without the assistance of, and most of the time in opposition to, external forces such as gravity. In this context, which of the following phenomena involve capillary action? A sponge absorbing water. Burning of a candle. Roots of plants drawing water from the soil. Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narrow spaces without the assistance of, and most of the time in opposition to, external forces such as gravity. In this context, which of the following phenomena involve capillary action? A sponge absorbing water. Burning of a candle. Roots of plants drawing water from the soil. Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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