Cohesion, Adhesion, Surface tension

Cohesion is the tendency of molecules of the same kind to stick to one another.

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to the cohesive nature of its molecules.

Capillary action is the ability of water to defy gravity and climb up a tube or narrow space.

It helps bring water up into the roots and to the branches and leaves.

This is an example of adhesion.

Water droplets forming on a smooth surface.

Small insects, like water striders, can walk on water due to surface tension.

Cohesion helps water molecules stick together, allowing them to move up through the plant.

Adhesion helps water molecules stick to the walls of a tube, while cohesion keeps the water molecules together, allowing capillary action to occur.