What's the deal with water spiralling down the plughole in different directions?

Answer 1

The idea that water spirals down the plughole in different directions depending on which hemisphere you are in is an urban myth and unsubstantiated.

As already mentioned, the effect in question is called the Coriolis Effect but this requires large masses of water or air to be manifest.
The prime example for this effect in action is the direction of spin of weather systems in each hemisphere. In the Northern hemisphere an area of low pressure (depression) spins anti-clockwise but in the Southern hemisphere it spins clockwise.

The mass of water in a sink or bath is too low to exhibit the Coriolis effect. Instead more mundane factors are in control of the direction of spin. One is the shape of the basin and area around the plughole, another is the method of manufacture. For plastic items the moulding process can have some bearing on the direction of drainage.

It is sometimes possible to reverse the direction of flow by kicking or disrupting the vortex.

Answer 2

No dude. The water is going down the drain in in spite of direction you deliver it. maximum loos have an outlet that spins the water in a undeniable direction. Ie. it is positioned on one edge of the bowl. If it is on the desirable edge of the bowl, and it sends the water counterclockwise interior the Northern hemisphere, the action of the draining water does not be reversed by using shifting a similar lavatory to the southern hemisphere. This explanation (as lots of alternative's do) demands a quick qualification. there is an infinitely small impact exerted on the water by using not purely the spin of the earth, yet in addition the moons place (and the solar's place, and the situation or your nuts). interior a similar way those impacts can not triumph over the preliminary spinning of the water, in case you should eliminate all different impacts (vibrations, make the water extremely nevertheless, do not set in in action in any respect), and u had adequate time (maybe a million year), and an precise adequate measuring gadget (say... God?), then confident, the water could spin opposite from North to South hemisphere. yet.. in simple terms stay in school.

Answer 3

The hemisphere theory - although correct- cannot be proven outside the laboratory.

The water spins both ways down the plughole, regardless of hemisphere.

Answer 4

I have seen this question debated here on Answers and else where. Some claim the Coriolis Effect and others say no. Check this link for a little more information http://www.mcasco.com/QA16.html some say the Coriolis effect would not be detectable on such a small body as a sink or bath tub. I think that when no other variables are involved you are left with predictable results consistent with the Coriolis effect.

Answer 5

The magma at the Earth's core rotates. That affects the pull of gravity. If you watch water go down a drain, you can see it goes clockwise. If you were able to look at it draining from underneath, it would look like it was going counter-clockwise. Same idea with water going down the drain above the Eath's core as opposed to below the Earth's core. I have no idea which way it goes on the equator however.

Answer 6

It's not entirely correct - water will not spin differently down the drain in each hemisphere. It is known as the Coriolis effect. The theory is true but would require massive amounts of water to see the effect in action. The most noticeable effect is shown on wind and weather patterns.

Answer 7

Coriolis effect is generally the answer, due to the Earths rotation. It all really comes down the the slip and momentum of the water molecules themselves. You can get water to drain in either direction if you start the water moving in that direction.

Answer 8

if plughole was made s. of equator it'll drain clockwise. opposite for north.

Answer 9

It has to do with the rotation of the earth. If you live north of the equator it goes clock wise. South of the equator it goes counter clockwise. (Or vice - versa). The earth is an amazing place!!!

Answer 10

Gravity pulls the water down the drain thus making it spin. In the northern hemisphere it spins clockwise and in the southern hemisphere it spins anticlock wise.