hey all, i need to know how a sponge works. Or a candle wick, or even a tree-root for that matter. What causes liquid to be absorbed ( against gravity ) into a substance (like a sponge, etc..) . What energy or process causes this to happen?

Question

anonymous · Answer

simply it is the capillary rise and surface tension which does the job. Sponge has got tiny pores through which water seeps in by capillary rise........

anonymous · Answer

there are some other cohesive forces which are acting within the liquids (surface tension for instance).  This helps them to defy gravity at times...

matthewrlee · Answer

They have holes. Stuff fits into the holes until the holes are full.

anonymous · Answer

forces acting against gravity include capilary rise(due to surface tension), osmotic pressure since the concentration of water is more in the soil compared to the cell of roots.