Multiple choice

Consider the following statements: If there was no capillarity,

  1. it would be impossible to use a kerosene lamp.
  2. one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink.
  3. the blotting paper would fail to function.
  4. there would have been no plants on the Earth. The correct ones are

  1. 1, 2 and 3

  2. 1, 3 and 4

  3. 2 and 4

  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Capillarity is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. Kerosene lamps, blotting paper, and the transport of water in plants (xylem) all rely on capillary action; however, drinking through a straw relies on atmospheric pressure, not capillarity.

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