CAPILLARY ACTION

Water that at some point rises higher than that portion of its surface, not in contact with the solid surface. This is due to adhesion, cohesion and surface tension where later touches a solid. Capillary action arises when there is sticky water, along with the occurrence of adhesion and cohesion. Adhesion of water to the surfaces causes the water to move upwards and leads to a meniscus which also moves upwards. The surface is held intact due to the surface tension, which also influences the height in which capillary action will take water. It is important to note that the adhesion of water must be more sturdy than the cohesiveness of the liquid components.