Understanding Capillary Rise Dynamics: A Theoretical Investigation

Capillary tubes are very thin tubes made of a rigid material, such as plastic or glass in which a liquid flows up into the tubes against gravity in a process called capillary action. Capillary action occurs due to the liquid's surface tension and intermolecular forces without the assistance of external forces or any other medium of energy. It happens because of the intermolecular forces between the liquid and its surroundings. The diameter of the tube plays a crucial role in this process. If the diameter of the tube is sufficiently small, the adhesive forces between the liquid and the glass of the tube act to propel the liquid upward. This theoretical framework of my research incorporates the forces of gravity, surface tension, and viscosity to find an expression for the time liquid takes to reach a specific height in a capillary tube.