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Science & Technology2012
Consider the following statements: If there were no phenomenon of capillarity
  1. It would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp.
  2. One would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft
  3. The blotting paper would fail to function.
  4. The big trees that we see around would not have grown
on the Earth. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation

The correct option is 1, 3, and 4 only, as they highlight the critical role of capillarity in various natural and practical phenomena. Capillarity enables kerosene to rise in lamps, facilitating combustion; it allows blotting paper to absorb liquid efficiently; and it's essential for water transport in large trees against gravity, supporting their growth. However, drinking through a straw primarily relies on atmospheric pressure and does not directly depend on capillarity, making statement 2 incorrect. This understanding aligns with principles outlined in standard science curricula, such as those found in NCERT textbooks.

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