Fenômeno Capilar: Coesão e Tensão Superficial em Líquidos

It is a physical phenomenon inherent to liquids in penetrating small openings. The cohesive action of the water molecules entering the capillary tube attracts the neighbouring molecules, raising them. This phenomenon occurs until the surface tensions of the water contained in the tube and container equalise.

The greater the cohesion and the lower the surface tension of the liquid, the greater is its elevation inside the tube and, therefore, the greater the capillary effect. The speed and extent of the capillary effect depend basically on molecular cohesion and surface tension. Capillarity is a resultant function of surface tension and wettability of the liquid.