Capillary Action: How Plants Drink Through Their Stems

Tiny Tubes: Capillary action happens when liquid moves up narrow spaces without needing a pump.
Sticky Force: Water sticks to the walls of plant tubes through adhesion.
Molecule Teamwork: Cohesion makes water molecules pull each other upward.
Against Gravity: Capillary action allows water to climb higher than gravity would allow.
Plant Lifeline: Xylem vessels in stems use capillary action to transport water.
Leaf Delivery: This process brings water all the way to leaves for photosynthesis.
Everyday Example: A paper towel soaking up a spill shows capillary action in action.
Soil to Sky: Capillary action helps water travel from roots to treetops.
Height Limit: While powerful, it only works in narrow tubes—wider tubes break the effect.
Life Essential: Without capillary action, plants couldn’t move water, and life on Earth would struggle.