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Chapter 11: Problem 26

Draw diagrams showing the capillary action of (a) water and (b) mercury in three tubes of different radii.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The capillary action of (a) water forms a concave meniscus because its adhesive forces are stronger than its cohesive forces. This causes the water to curve upwards at the tube edges, and the curvature increases as the tube diameter decreases. The capillary action of (b) mercury forms a convex meniscus because its cohesive forces are stronger than the adhesive forces. This causes the mercury level to be higher in tubes of larger diameters.

Step by step solution

01

Draw Capillary Tubes of Different Diameters

Start by drawing three vertical lines to represent tubes of different diameters. These tubes can vary in diameter by drawing them of different widths.
02

Draw the Capillary Action of Water

Next we depict the capillary action of water. Water has a concave meniscus due to its adhesive forces being stronger than its cohesive forces. This means that water forms an upward curve at the tube edges. Draw these curves in each tube, bearing in mind that as the tube diameter decreases, the curvature of the water level increases, accordingly.
03

Draw the Capillary Action of Mercury

Mercury behaves differently in capillary tubes due to its strong cohesive forces overpowering the adhesive forces. Consequently, mercury forms a convex meniscus, or a downward curve at the tube edges. Draw these curves in each of the tubes, showing a higher mercury level in tubes of larger diameters.

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