Question

Oil rises in the wick of the oil lamp based on the principle of

(a) viscosity

(b) Surface tension

(c) gravity

(d)capillarity

Answer 1

Oil rises in the wick of the oil lamp based on the principle of (d) capillarity. Capillarity, or capillary action, is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. In the case of an oil lamp, the wick draws the oil upward through the small spaces between the fibers of the wick due to capillary action, allowing it to reach the flame and combust.