Capillarity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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capillarity
[kəˌpɪl.əˈrɪt.i ]
Definition
physical phenomenon
Capillarity refers to the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, such as gravity. This phenomenon occurs due to the adhesive forces between the liquid and the surrounding solid surface, combined with the cohesive forces within the liquid. Capillarity is significant in various natural processes, including water transport in plants and the behavior of liquids in porous materials.
Synonyms
adhesion, capillary action, wetting.
Examples of usage
- Water rises in a thin tube due to capillarity.
- Capillarity allows plants to absorb water from the soil.
- The ink spreads on paper due to capillarity.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Capillarity occurs due to two main forces: cohesion (liquid molecules sticking together) and adhesion (liquid molecules sticking to other materials).
- In plants, capillarity helps transport water from roots to leaves, crucial for their survival.
- This phenomenon is not only important in biology; it also plays a role in various engineering applications, like oil recovery.
Everyday Examples
- When you dip a paper towel into water, the liquid climbs up the towel. This is capillarity at work!
- The way ink travels through the nib of a fountain pen uses capillary action to deliver ink to the paper.
- Capillary action can be observed with a drink straw; when you sip, the liquid rises due to this property.
Cultural References
- Some artists have used the concept of capillarity in their works to symbolize connection and the flow of life.
- In ancient cultures, the movement of water through natural pores was often seen as a source of life, reflecting nature's delicate balance.
- The act of nurturing plants and ensuring they receive enough water often draws on the principles of capillarity.
Technology
- Capillary action is employed in many devices, from simple straws to complex medical devices that transport fluids.
- In recent advancements, scientists are exploring capillary systems for innovative building materials that could draw moisture directly.
Origin of 'capillarity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'capillus', the Latin word for 'hair', because it describes how liquids can move up very thin tubes like hair.
- First used in the context of physics in the 19th century, linking the concept to various scientific studies.
The term 'capillarity' derives from the Latin word 'capillaris', meaning 'hair-like'. This is indicative of the narrow tubes through which capillary action occurs, reminiscent of the tiny size of human hair. The study of capillarity became prominent in the 19th century as researchers like Thomas Young and Gabriel Stokes explored the principles of fluid mechanics. Understanding capillarity has been crucial in fields such as biology, physics, and engineering, highlighting its importance in everyday phenomena such as how plants transport water and nutrients from the soil to their leaves.