Consider the following statements: If there were no phenomenon of capillarity 1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp 2. one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink. 3. the blotting paper would fail to function 4. the big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. Statement 1 is correct. A kerosene lamp works by drawing fuel up the wick via capillarity. Without this phenomenon, the kerosene would not rise to be burnt, making it difficult to use the lamp. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Using a straw to consume a soft drink relies on reducing air pressure inside the straw, allowing atmospheric pressure to push the liquid up. This is primarily due to pressure difference, not capillarity. 3. Statement 3 is correct. Blotting paper absorbs ink or liquids through the capillary action within its porous structure. Without capillarity, it would fail to function. 4. Statement 4 is correct. The upward movement of water in tall trees (in xylem vessels) is significantly aided by forces related to cohesion and adhesion, which are the basis of capillarity, along with transpiration pull. Without these effects, water transport to the top of big trees would be severely hampered, preventing them from growing to large sizes. 5. Therefore, statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct.