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

Step-by-step solution

The ascent of sap in the xylem is primarily driven by 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 xylem vessels and tracheids. Surface tension allows water molecules to remain together and resist being pulled apart. Together, these properties provide water with high tensile strength and capillarity, enabling it to rise against g