Capillary action is ________.

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Capillary action refers to the phenomenon where a liquid can rise or be drawn into a narrow space without the assistance of external forces, such as gravity. This process occurs due to the cohesive and adhesive properties of the liquid. When a liquid comes into contact with a solid, the adhesive forces between the liquid molecules and the solid can draw the liquid into tiny spaces, such as the narrow gaps in a capillary tube or the pores in a sponge.

The key aspect of capillary action is its dependence on the interaction between the liquid and the solid, which allows the liquid to "climb" against gravity when in a narrow space. This property is significant in various applications, including the movement of water and nutrients within plants, as well as in many plumbing and piping scenarios where water or other fluids need to be transported through small pipes or tubes.

Understanding capillary action is essential for pipefitters, as it can affect fluid dynamics within piping systems, especially when dealing with small-diameter pipes or in applications where fluid movement relies on narrow pathways.

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