UPSC Prelims 2012·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Consider the following statements: If there were no phenomenon of capillarity 1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp 2. one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink 3. the blotting paper would fail to function 4. the big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth Which of the statements given above are correct?

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  1. A1, 2 and 3 only
  2. B1, 3 and 4 onlyCorrect
  3. C2 and 4 only
  4. D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

The correct answer is B because statements 1, 3, and 4 are directly dependent on the phenomenon of capillarity, while statement 2 is not. Statement 1 is correct because the wick in a kerosene lamp uses capillary action to pull the oil upward to the flame. Statement 2 is incorrect because drinking through a straw relies on air pressure. When you suck through a straw, you reduce the pressure inside it, and the higher atmospheric pressure outside pushes the liquid up. This is not capillarity. Statement 3 is correct because blotting paper contains tiny pores that act like capillary tubes, sucking up ink or liquid. Statement 4 is correct because plants and tall trees rely on capillary action along with transpiration pull to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the highest branches. Since statement 2 is false and the others are true, the correct option is 1, 3, and 4 only.
science-and-technology: Consider the following statements: If there were no phenomenon of capillarity 1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene
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