Question

1. what property of water explains why it can travel to the tops of trees?

Explanation:

Cohesion and adhesion are key properties. Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules (due to hydrogen bonds). Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances (like the walls of xylem vessels in trees). These two properties work together. The adhesion of water to the xylem walls helps it "climb" up, and the cohesion of water molecules (holding the water column together) allows the continuous upward movement. Capillary action (a result of cohesion and adhesion) is what enables water to travel to the tops of trees.

Answer:

Cohesion and adhesion (or capillary action which is due to cohesion and adhesion).