Question

Kerosene oil rises up in a wick of a lantern because of

• A. diffusion of the oil through the wick
• B. capillary action
• C. buoyant force of air
• D. the gravitational pull of the wick

Hint:

Capillary action occurs when the adhesive forces between the liquid and solid are stronger than the cohesive forces between liquid molecules, causing the liquid to rise in narrow spaces.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the process.
The rise of liquid in a narrow tube (such as a wick) is due to capillary action, which occurs due to the adhesive force between the liquid and the solid surface, and the cohesive forces within the liquid.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct reason for the rise of kerosene oil in a wick is capillary action.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{capillary action}} \]