A.1.1.4 Adhesion and Capillary Action in Water

Front

What causes water to stick to the surface of a solid composed of polar molecules?

Back

Hydrogen bonds form between water and the surface, causing adhesion.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

The movement of water through narrow spaces, such as glass tubes, due to adhesion.

Front

What happens when air is replaced by water along a tube?

Back

Many hydrogen bonds form between glass and water, releasing energy.

Front

Why do porous solids like paper exert strong suction forces?

Back

They have large surface areas attractive to water, leading to strong adhesion.

Front

How does water move through dry soil?

Back

Water is drawn by capillary action through porous soil, wetting it.

Front

How does adhesion benefit plants?

Back

Water adheres to cellulose in cell walls, keeping them moist and aiding photosynthesis.

Front

What happens when water evaporates from cell walls in leaves?

Back

Adhesive forces draw water from the nearest xylem vessel, maintaining moisture and generating low pressures to draw water up.