Water in the xylem cells of plants shows capillarity due to its properties like ___________.

Step-by-step solution

The ascent of xylem sap in plants depends mainly on the physical properties of water, which include cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Cohesion is the mutual attraction between water molecules. Adhesion is the attraction of water molecules to polar surfaces, such as the walls of the xylem vessels. Surface tension is the property by which water molecules are attracted to each other in the liquid phase more than to water in the gas phase. Together, these properties give water high tensile strength and high capi