By what three processes does water rise from the roots to the top of a tree?

Answer 1

This sounds suspiciously like a homework question that is specifically referring to a textbook to me. So I'd refer to the book to see what three they say.

However my guess would be 1) Osmosis or active transportation from the groundwater into the cells of the root hairs. 2) Capillary action up the vascular tissues of the plant. 3) transpiration - which is basically a plant-term for evaporation of water from the stomata pores of the leaves into the air.

As water is pulled out of the leaves it draws water up from the vascular tissue to replace it.

Answer 2

All i can think of is Osmosis, and active transport (xylem). Apparently trees use the natural cohesion (stickyness of water to its self) to transport water.

I found this web site that's says how its done:
http://www.forestry.iastate.edu/ext/roadside_tree_management/for99-007.pdf

Answer 3

TRANSPIRATION IS THE LOSS OF WATER VAPOR FROM THE LEAVES. THIS CREATES A TRANSPIRATIONAL PULL WHERE WATER TRAVELS UP THE XYLEM WHERE IT FIRST ENTERS YOUNG ROOTS OR MYCORRHIZAL ROOTS BY A PROCESS OF OSMOSIS (ABSORPTION)