To model the movement of water through the stem of plants, a scientist placed capillary tubes of different diameters in shallow pools of water. The scientist noticed that the water would climb up the capillary tubes to different heights. The height of each water column is plotted. Part A:
Identify a property of water that contributes its movement through the capillary tubes. Explain how the molecular structure of water contributes to this property.
Plants use a similar mechanism to move water through their stems. In a specific species of plant, the vessels are approximately 0.3 mm in diameter.
Part B:
Estimate how tall this species of plant can grow. Explain how the molecular structure of the vessels can be modified to increase the maximum height of the plant without changing the diameter of the vessels.