Capillary and Capillarity

Capillary (Capillary Tube)  :-

Every student who is studying in the science field, he knows that what is capillary tube. Specially student who are interested in Chemistry subject they have an idea about capillary tube.

Let’s we see the simple definition of Capillary :-

“A glass tube having a very fine bore is called capillary (capillary tube).”

Capillarity :-

       If one end of a capillary tube is dipped in liquid, it is observed that the level of liquid inside capillary either rises or falls compared to the level of liquid outside the capillary. Capillary dipped in liquid, which partially or completely wet the solid then the liquid rises inside the capillary. On other hand, if capillary dipped in a liquid does not wet the solid, then the liquid falls inside the capillary.

“ The phenomenon of rise or fall of a liquid inside a capillary tube when it is dipped in the liquid is called capillarity.”

Applications of Capillarity :-

In our everyday life, we come across many application of capillarity. Some applications are given below.  

i)  Sap and water rises even up to the topmost leaves in the three by capillary action.

ii) Water rises up the crevices in the rocks due to the           capillary action.

iii)  Cloth rag soaks water due to capillary action.

iv)  Blotting paper absorbs ink due to capillary action.

v)     Ink rises in a pen

vi) Oil rises up the wick of lamp on account of capillarity.