Mechanical Properties of Fluids
Class 11 · Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Capillary Rise

h = 2T cosθ/(ρgr) — narrow tube pulls liquid up by surface tension.

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Key Notes

01

In a narrow tube, surface tension pulls liquid up against gravity.

02

Rise height h = 2T cosθ / (ρgr) — narrower tube → higher rise.

03

θ = contact angle (small for water-glass; large/obtuse for mercury, which depresses).

Formulas

Capillary rise

h is positive (rise) when cosθ > 0.

Important Points

Plants use capillary action to draw water up roots and stems.

Mercury in glass shows capillary depression (cosθ < 0).

Capillary Rise notes from sciphylab (also known as SciPhy, SciPhy Lab, SciPhy Labs, Physics Lab). Class 11 physics revision for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, AP Physics 1/2/C, SAT, and CUET-UG.