Question

Kerosene oil rises in a wick of lantern because of _____________.

• A. Buoyancy of air
• B. Diffusion of the oil through the wick
• C. Capillary action in the wick
• D. Gravitational pull of the wick

Answer 1

The correct option is C Capillary action in the wick

Kerosene oil rises in a wick of lantern because of capillary action in the wick. Capillarity is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. Most of the wicks are made up of cotton or threads of cotton. The small pores act as small capillaries, causing it to absorb a large amount of fluid.