Explain the following terms:

• Capillarity
• Meniscus

Hello everyone,

 

Capillarity is the phenomenon by which liquids like water can flow against gravity within a very narrow tube or capillary. This phenomenon is also called capillary action. Thinner is the tube, higher is the capillarity.

 

Meniscus: It is the curved upper surface of a liquid.

 

For example: Take a transparent straw and dip it within a glass of water. A part of the straw should remain outside water. You will notice that the level of water within the straw is above the water level of the glass. This is the capillarity. Now observe the upper surface of water within the straw. The water has a curved surface. This is called the meniscus.

 

Hope this helps you,

Keep posting and have a nice day!