A capillary tube is dipped in water. What is the shape of the water surface insi

A capillary tube is dipped in water. What is the shape of the water surface inside the tube?

A capillary tube is dipped in water. What is the shape of the water surface inside the tube?

Correct Answer: Concave

Step 1: Understand what a capillary tube is. It is a very thin tube that can draw liquids up into it.
Step 2: Know that when the tube is dipped in water, the water tries to move up into the tube.
Step 3: Learn about adhesive forces. These are the forces that attract water molecules to the material of the tube.
Step 4: Learn about cohesive forces. These are the forces that attract water molecules to each other.
Step 5: Compare the adhesive forces and cohesive forces. In this case, the adhesive forces between the water and the tube are stronger than the cohesive forces among the water molecules.
Step 6: Because the adhesive forces are stronger, the water will climb up the sides of the tube and create a curve.
Step 7: This curve in the water surface is called a concave shape, meaning it dips down in the middle.

Capillarity – The phenomenon where liquid rises or falls in a narrow space due to adhesive and cohesive forces.
Adhesive Forces – The attractive forces between the liquid molecules and the surface of the tube.
Cohesive Forces – The attractive forces between the molecules of the liquid itself.
Meniscus – The curve in the surface of a liquid in a container, which can be concave or convex depending on the balance of adhesive and cohesive forces.