Capillarity, also known as capillary action, is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. This phenomenon occurs due to the combination of cohesive forces within the liquid and adhesive forces between the liquid and the surrounding material. For example, when a thin tube, like a straw, is placed in water, the water rises inside the tube due to these forces. Capillarity is essential in various natural and artificial processes. In plants, it helps transport water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves through tiny vessels called xylem. Similarly, capillarity plays a role in ink moving through a pen or in the absorption of liquids by sponges.