Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces.
It occurs due to the combined effect of cohesion and adhesion forces in the liquid.
Cohesion is the attraction between similar molecules, while adhesion is the attraction between different substances.
Capillary action is observed when a liquid rises or falls in a thin tube, called a capillary.

Water rising in a glass tube is a classic example of capillary action.
It also occurs in soil, allowing water to move from the roots to the leaves of plants.
The phenomenon is essential for transporting water and nutrients in plants.
In small tubes, the liquid rises higher due to stronger surface tension effects.

Capillary action is responsible for the movement of water in porous materials like sponges and paper.
It helps ink flow in pens and wicks, allowing them to write or burn efficiently.
The height to which a liquid rises depends on the liquid’s surface tension and the tube’s diameter.
Liquids with higher adhesion to the tube walls show greater capillary rise.

Mercury shows capillary depression because it has stronger cohesion than adhesion.
Capillary action is widely used in scientific experiments and laboratory equipment.
It also plays a role in soil irrigation and the movement of groundwater.
Understanding capillary action is important in biology, chemistry, and engineering.

This phenomenon demonstrates the unique properties of liquids and their interactions with surfaces.
Capillary action is a natural process with practical applications in daily life and technology.