Question

Explain why different liquids do not reach the same height in capillary tubes of the same diameter. Please choose the best explanation. a) Different liquids have different intermolecular forces. b) The stronger the intermolecular forces within the liquid, the higher the liquid rise in the capillary tube. c) Cohesive forces stronger than adhesive forces reduce the height of the liquid in the capillary tube, whereas adhesive forces stronger than cohesive forces increase the height of the liquid. d) Polar molecules climb higher than nonpolar molecules. e) The larger the dipole moment, the higher the liquid rises. f) The height of the liquids in the capillary tubes depends on the density of the liquid.

Answer 1

Answer:

c) Cohesive forces stronger than adhesive forces reduce the height of the liquid in the capillary tube, whereas adhesive forces stronger than cohesive forces increase the height of the liquid.

Explanation:

Two types of forces bring about capillary action.

One is cohesion, which is the intermolecular attraction between like molecules (that is, the liquid molecules). The second force, called adhesion, is an attraction between unlike molecules, such as those in a liquid and in the sides of a glass tube.

If adhesion is stronger than cohesion, the contents of the tube will be pulled upward. This process continues until the adhesive force is balanced by the weight of the liquid in the tube.