CAPILLARY ACTION Emma Jardine Dr. Fritz period 7
Dec 14, 2015
What happens when a paper towel absorbs water?
Water molecules have a negative and positive end
They are attracted to opposite charges on other molecules
Water molecules can be attracted to each other and paper
The water is attracted to the paper towel and spreads out
Adhesive Forces
Adhesive forces are the attractive forces between unlike molecules
They are caused by forces acting between two substances
Adhesion causes the liquid to cling to the surface on which it rests
Cohesive Forces
Cohesive forces are the intermolecular forces which cause a tendency in liquids to resist separation
These attractive forces exist between molecules of the same substance
This force tends to unite molecules of a liquid because the molecules' dislike for its surrounding
Effects When liquid is placed on a smooth surface,
the relative strengths of the cohesive and adhesive forces acting on that liquid and determine the shape it will take
If the adhesive forces between a liquid and a surface are stronger, they will cause it to wet the surface
If the cohesive forces between the liquid are stronger, they will resist the adhesion and cause retain its shape
Directions
1. Fold the paper towel into a thin strip 2.Place one end of the paper towel into
the glass filled with water and the other into the empty glass
3. Record what happens