A1.1.4 Adhesion of water to materials that are polar or charged and impacts for organisms Flashcards
What are the two forces that capillary action relies on?
- Cohesion: The attraction between water molecules.
- Adhesion: The attraction between water molecules and other surfaces.
What role does cellulose play in capillary action?
Cellulose is a hydrophilic material that forms hydrogen bonds with water, allowing water to adhere to plant cell walls and spread through them.
What moisture level is capillary action most effective?
Capillary action is most effective when the soil is moderately moist.
How does soil texture affect capillary action?
Fine-textured soils, like clay, have smaller pores that enhance capillary action, while coarse-textured soils, like sandy soils, have larger pores that reduce it.
Define adhesion.
Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other surfaces, enabling water to cling to them.
How does capillary action illustrate the intersection of physics and biology?
Capillary action enables water to defy gravity, sustaining life in soil and plants, which is fundamental to terrestrial ecosystems.
How does capillary action maintain moist cell walls during transpiration?
Adhesive forces between water and cellulose draw new water molecules from the xylem vessels to replace evaporated water.
How does surface area affect capillary action in soil?
Soils with a higher surface area exhibit stronger adhesive forces, enabling more water to be drawn upward.
What are the functions of moist cell walls in plants?
- Carbon dioxide absorption
- Structural support through turgor pressure
- Nutrient transport
What is cavitation in xylem vessels?
Cavitation is the condition where xylem vessels become air-filled.
How does capillary action help refilling xylem vessels after cavitation?
Capillary action draws water back into air-filled xylem vessels, restoring their functionality.
What is capillary action?
Capillary action is the movement of water through narrow spaces, even against gravity.
How do adhesion and cohesion work together in capillary action?
Cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, while adhesion allows water to cling to surfaces, enabling it to move upward.
Why is understanding capillary action important for agriculture?
It helps with efficient irrigation, preventing water-logging, and improving soil structure for better water availability.
Why is capillary action important for plants in arid regions?
Capillary action redistributes water throughout the soil, making it accessible to plant roots.
What happens to capillary action in waterlogged soil?
In waterlogged soil, gravity overpowers the adhesive and cohesive forces, limiting water movement.
Define cohesion.
Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding.
