The height to which the liquid rises in the tube is determined by the diameter of the tube, the density of the liquid, and the surface tension of the liquid. Smaller tubes, denser liquids, and liquids with higher surface tension will rise to a greater height.
Capillary action is a common phenomenon that is observed in many everyday situations, such as the rise of water in a straw or the absorption of water by a sponge. It is also important in many industrial processes, such as the separation of oil and water.