What is the phenomenon called when the attraction of water molecules allows them to defy the force of gravity?

What is the phenomenon called when the attraction of water molecules allows them to defy the force of gravity?

• A. Capillary Action
• B. Cohesion
• C. Surface Tension
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (A)

The phenomenon where water molecules exhibit attraction that allows them to move against the force of gravity is known as capillary action. This occurs because of the cohesive forces between water molecules, which help them stick together, and adhesive forces that pull the molecules towards the walls of a narrow space, such as a tube or a small opening. In capillary action, when water is placed in a thin tube, for example, the water molecules adhere to the walls of the tube while also being attracted to each other. This combination enables water to rise within the tube despite gravity attempting to pull it down. This phenomenon is essential for many biological processes, including the movement of water in plants from their roots to their leaves. Cohesion refers specifically to the attraction between like molecules, such as water molecules binding to each other, while surface tension is the result of cohesion at the surface of a liquid, creating a "film" effect. Evaporation is the process of turning from liquid into vapor and does not relate to the upward movement against gravity. Thus, capillary action uniquely captures the interaction of water molecules that allows them to move upward in defiance of gravitational forces, making this answer the most fitting.

The phenomenon where water molecules exhibit attraction that allows them to move against the force of gravity is known as capillary action. This occurs because of the cohesive forces between water molecules, which help them stick together, and adhesive forces that pull the molecules towards the walls of a narrow space, such as a tube or a small opening.

In capillary action, when water is placed in a thin tube, for example, the water molecules adhere to the walls of the tube while also being attracted to each other. This combination enables water to rise within the tube despite gravity attempting to pull it down. This phenomenon is essential for many biological processes, including the movement of water in plants from their roots to their leaves.

Cohesion refers specifically to the attraction between like molecules, such as water molecules binding to each other, while surface tension is the result of cohesion at the surface of a liquid, creating a "film" effect. Evaporation is the process of turning from liquid into vapor and does not relate to the upward movement against gravity.

Thus, capillary action uniquely captures the interaction of water molecules that allows them to move upward in defiance of gravitational forces, making this answer the most fitting.