A capillary tube has its inner surface lined with wax and is then placed in water. Relative to a clean, unwaxed capillary, how do the contact angle (θ) and the height (h) to which water rises change?

Question

Accepted Answer

θ increases and h decreases. The wax lining reduces the adhesive forces between the water and the tube, leading to an increased contact angle, which means the water does not wet the surface as effectively. Consequently, this results in a lower height of water rise in the capillary tube compared to a clean, unwaxed capillary.

A capillary tube has its inner surface lined with wax and is then placed in water. Relative to a clean, unwaxed capillary, how do the contact angle (θ) and the height (h) to which water rises change?

Solution

Related JEE Main Physics questions