Question:
Describe briefly the three physical properties of water which helps in the ascent of water in the xylem.
Solution:
(i) Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other molecules
(ii) Cohesion is the force due to which molecules of water stay linked together due to hydrogen bonding in between them.
(iii)Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid to resist an external force applied owing to the cohesive nature of the molecules of the liquid. Capillary action is a result of adhesion and cohesion.