Capillary tube

Capillary Tube

A capillary tube is a thin, long tube of uniform diameter. The term "capillary" is derived from the Latin word "capillaris", meaning "hair-like", due to the tube's small, hair-like size. Capillary tubes are used in a wide range of applications, including scientific research, medical procedures, and various industries.

Function

The primary function of a capillary tube is to transport liquids from one place to another. The capillary action, or capillarity, is a phenomenon where liquid spontaneously rises in a narrow space such as a thin tube, due to the intermolecular forces between the liquid and the surrounding solid surfaces. This principle is utilized in various applications, such as in thermometers, hydrometers, and medical diagnostics.

Applications

Scientific Research

In scientific research, capillary tubes are often used in laboratory settings for various experiments and procedures. They are used in chromatography for separating mixtures, in spectrophotometry for holding samples to be examined, and in microbiology for culturing microorganisms.

Medical Procedures

In the medical field, capillary tubes are used in a variety of diagnostic procedures. They are used to collect small amounts of blood for blood tests, and in capillary electrophoresis, a technique used to separate ionic species by their charge and frictional forces.

Industry

In industry, capillary tubes are used in refrigeration systems as a metering device. They are also used in the production of television screens and computer monitors, and in the manufacturing of fiber optics.

See Also

• Capillary action
• Capillary electrophoresis
• Chromatography
• Spectrophotometry