What enables a pen to work?

Prepare for the PiCAT Verification Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A pen works primarily due to the ink formulation and its ability to flow and adhere to paper. The correct mechanism is often related to capillary action, where the thin tube of the pen allows ink to flow from the reservoir to the tip. This phenomenon arises from the interactions between the ink and the pen's materials, which draw the ink down into the nib as the pen is used.

While hydraulic force and gravity play roles in certain pen designs, they are not the primary forces that allow a pen to function effectively in everyday writing scenarios. Hydraulic force is not typically associated with standard pen mechanisms, and gravity only assists when the pen is held in a certain orientation.

Therefore, the right answer highlights how ink formulation and capillary action work together, making them essential for the proper operation of a pen.

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