7 Examples of Capillarity

Capillarity is the phenomenon in which liquids move upward against gravity in narrow tubes or porous materials due to the combination of adhesive and cohesive forces.

Examples of Capillarity

Capillarity is important in various natural and human-made systems. Here are 7 examples of capillarity:

1: Water Uptake in Plants

Capillarity is important for the movement of water and nutrients from the soil to the roots and throughout the plant. It allows plants to draw water against gravity through tiny root hairs and transport it to the leaves.

2: Paper Towel Absorption

When you place a corner of a paper towel in spilled liquid, capillarity causes the liquid to rise against gravity through the paper towel’s fibers, facilitating absorption.

3: Ink Pen Capillary Action

In ink pens, the capillary action of the pen’s nib draws ink from the reservoir onto the paper as the liquid wicks through the porous pen tip.

4: Blood Capillaries in the Body

In the circulatory system, capillaries facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. This process is crucial for maintaining bodily functions.

5: Oil Recovery in Porous Rocks

In the petroleum industry, capillary forces play a role in the movement of oil through porous rock formations. The oil can be drawn upward into production wells due to capillary action.

6: Spreading of Liquid on a Solid Surface

When a droplet of liquid falls on a solid surface, capillary forces can cause it to spread out, forming a thin film. This effect is observed in wetting phenomena, such as rain on a car windshield.

7: Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printers use capillarity to precisely deposit tiny droplets of ink onto paper. The ink is drawn from the cartridge through microscopic nozzles due to capillary forces.