Question:

Water can easily rise through the conducting elements of xylem due to _____.

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Cohesion, adhesion and surface tension keep the water column continuous in narrow xylem tubes.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Water has high specific heat.
  • Water has high surface tension and high adhesive and cohesive force.
  • Water has high heat of vaporization.
  • Water has high heat of fusion.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Xylem vessels and tracheids are very narrow tubes in which water is pulled upward by transpiration.

Step 2: Water properties
Cohesion (attraction between water molecules) and high surface tension give the water column great tensile strength, so it does not break.
Adhesion of water to the hydrophilic xylem walls helps the column cling and rise by capillarity.

Step 3: Compare the options
High specific heat, heat of vaporization and heat of fusion are thermal properties and do not help the water to rise.

Final Answer:
High surface tension with adhesive and cohesive forces helps water rise in xylem. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Water has high surface tension and high adhesive and cohesive force.}} \]
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