5.2. Capillary Action

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is capillary action?

   Hint

   Think about how water moves up a straw!

2. 2.

   Define molecular diffusion.

   Hint

   Consider how a drop of dye disperses in water.

3. 3.

   What drives capillary action?

   • Gravity
   • Surface tension
   • Molecular weight

   Hint

   Think about how a liquid behaves at the surface.

4. 4.

   True or False: Molecular diffusion occurs only in solids.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the last time you saw food dye disperse in water.

5. 5.

   Analyze how the varying sizes of soil particles influence capillary action. How would finer soils compared to coarser ones affect water movement?

   Hint

   Consider the role of surface area in your analysis.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the effects of drought on capillary action in soils. How does reduced water availability alter this dynamic?

   Hint

   Think about water availability and root accessibility.