Answer to Question #132826 in Mechanics | Relativity for Max

Question

what is capillary effect explain through some examples.

Answer 1

Solution. Сapillary effect is the ability of a fluid to flow in narrow spaces without the aid, or even in opposition, of external forces like gravity. The effect can be seen in the application of liquid between the hairs of a paintbrush, in a thin tube, in porous materials such as paper and gypsum, in some non-porous materials such as sand and liquefied carbon fiber, or in a biological cell.

This is due to intermolecular forces between the liquid and the surrounding solid surfaces. If the diameter of the tube is small enough, the combination of surface tension (which is caused by cohesion within the liquid) and the adhesion forces between the liquid and the vessel wall helps the liquid move.