capillary tube
A capillary tube is a narrow tube that demonstrates the phenomenon of capillarity, where liquids move through small spaces without external forces. This occurs due to the adhesive forces between the liquid and the tube's walls, along with the cohesive forces within the liquid itself. As a result, liquids can rise or fall within the tube, depending on the liquid's properties. Capillary action is essential in various natural and technological processes, such as the movement of water in plants and the functioning of ink pens. The diameter of the tube significantly affects the height to which the liquid rises.
Additional Insights
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A capillary tube is a very thin tube often used in scientific and medical applications. Its key feature is that it allows liquids to move up through it due to capillary action, which is a phenomenon where liquid travels against gravity thanks to surface tension and adhesion to the tube's walls. This effect is what allows plants to draw water from the ground or how ink moves in a fountain pen. Capillary tubes are also important in measuring small volumes of liquid and in various engineering and laboratory contexts.
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A capillary tube is a thin, narrow tube that demonstrates the phenomenon of capillarity, where liquid can rise or fall within it due to surface tension and adhesive forces. This effect occurs in small-diameter tubes, allowing liquids to move against gravity. Capillary tubes are commonly found in everyday applications, such as in thermometers (for measuring temperature) and in plants (helping water travel through their tissues). They play a crucial role in various scientific and engineering fields, illustrating fundamental principles of fluid dynamics.