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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?
  1. A sponge absorbing water.
  2. Burning of a candle.
  3. 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?
Verified Answer
Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narro...
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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Most Upvoted Answer
Capillary action is defined as the motion of liquids inside very narro...
Capillary Action in Different Phenomena:

1. Sponge absorbing water:
- When a sponge comes into contact with water, capillary action occurs due to the narrow spaces within the sponge.
- The water molecules move upwards against gravity through the tiny channels in the sponge, filling up the empty spaces.

2. Burning of a candle:
- Capillary action plays a role in the burning of a candle through the wick.
- The wick, usually made of cotton or similar material, draws the liquid wax upwards through capillary action.
- This process allows the wax to reach the flame, where it vaporizes and burns.

3. Roots of plants drawing water from the soil:
- Capillary action is essential for plants to draw water from the soil.
- The roots of plants have tiny tubes that help in the upward movement of water from the soil to the stem and leaves.
- This process is crucial for the plant's survival as it helps in the transportation of water and nutrients.
Therefore, all the given phenomena involve capillary action, making the correct answer option 'D' - 1, 2, and 3.
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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?
Question Description
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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