Answer the following questions regarding the Capillary Action Experiment (Each question should be answered with at least 2 full sentences). 1. Define Capillary Action. 2. What happened to the paper towel during the experiment? 3. What happened to the empty cup during the experiment? 4. Did this experiment demonstrate Capillary Action and what does this tell you about water movement on Earth?

Answer

1. Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity. This phenomenon occurs due to the combined forces of adhesion, which is the attraction between the liquid and the surface of the tube or material, and cohesion, which is the attraction between the liquid molecules themselves. 2. During the experiment, the paper towel acted as a medium for the water to travel through via its small porous fibers. The liquid was absorbed by the towel and began to climb upward against gravity as it moved from the full cup toward the empty one. 3. The empty cup gradually began to fill with water as the capillary action pulled the liquid across the paper towel bridge. Over time, the water level in the previously empty cup rose until it reached an equilibrium with the water source, demonstrating how liquid can be transported between containers. 4. Yes, this experiment successfully demonstrated capillary action by showing water moving through a porous material to a new location. In the context of Earth, this illustrates how water can move upward through soil to reach plant roots or travel through small gaps in underground rock formations, which is essential for sustaining life and moving water through different parts of the ecosystem.