Everyday capillarity: Why oil rises in a lamp wick. Oil rises up a lamp’s cotton wick primarily due to which physical principle in fine capillaries? Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ACapillary action (surface tension with adhesion)
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BConvection currents
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CElectromagnetic induction
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DThermal expansion of oil
Answer
Correct Answer: Capillary action (surface tension with adhesion)
Explanation
Concept
- In narrow pores, surface tension and adhesion to fibers draw liquid upwards → capillarity.
Final AnswerCapillary action (surface tension with adhesion)