Capillary Action: Capillary Tubes

Photo Shows the Apparatus Used at U.T. Austin

Instructions / Notes:

• Vertical glass tubes with different bores connect at the bottom to a large reservoir.
• When the reservoir, (shown right), is a little less than 1/2 filled - the alcohol and water rises to a height inversely proportional to the radii of the I.D. of each tube.
• Unfortunately, the capillary action demonstration requires the use of a video camera - which means the demo table will need to be placed adjacent to the left side of the lectern.

Demo Staff:

• The demonstration needs to be placed on the right hand side of the demo table. - So, it will be close to the video camera.
• For the proper camera angle - select a demo table that is at least as tall as the lectern.
• When putting away the demonstration - do not store the bottle of blue colored alcohol and backdrop in the plastic storage box that is used to protect only the glass tube.

Photo of the alcohol bottle is just an aid of what to look for in the cabinet before setting up the demonstration.

Last updated on August 30, 2017