1. Surface Tension Questions
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You saw a paperclip (or copper) float on top of the water. This is caused by water’s
surface tension. What causes water’s surface tension? EXPLAIN!
What happened in the water with soap? Did the paperclip still float? Why or why not?
Put a drop of water next to a drop of alcohol. Do you see a difference? Explain! Why is
there a difference between the two drops?

2. Meniscus Questions
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What is a meniscus?
You see that a graduated cylinder made of glass has a large meniscus, while a graduated
cylinder made of plastic has a small one. Guess as to why this may be.
Do graduated cylinders account for a meniscus?
Where should you read from a graduated cylinder: from the top of the meniscus, or the
very bottom?

3. Capillary Action Questions
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What 2 properties of water cause capillary action?
Why is capillary action such a good “deal” for plants?
Plants use capillary action to get water from the ground to their
___________ where photosynthesis takes place.
Do you think the human body uses capillary action?
During capillary action, the water in _____________ tubes is able to flow
higher than the water in wide tubes.
If water was not attracted to the sides of a tube, would capillary action
occur?