I've heard so many reasons why the water spins down the toilet one way in some places, and other ways in other places. Does anyone know the actual reason why water goes down the toilet/plug hole in the way that it does?
Where does it change?
Is there a plce on earth where it simply drops straight down without spinning?
2007-02-19 10:51:35 · 17 answers · asked by Straight Talker 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Ok so if it's one way in one hemisphere and the other in another way, there must be a point or more across the earth where it goes Neither ways?! What happens then??
2007-02-19 10:59:19 · update #1
You are referring to the "Coriolis Effect".
This has become a popular myth, that water will always go down the drain in one way in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth, while it goes the opposite way in the Southern Hemisphere.
The real reason is actually the momentum the water has as it leaves the outlet (whether a faucet/tap, toilet cistern, etc.).
As the water leaves the outlet, it is rushing out of the pipe. The water will actually hit the toilet/sink at a slight angle. That angle, plus any momentum the water has, is what causes it to swirl in a particular direction.
If you fill a sink with water and leave it for some time before GENTLY pulling the plug, you should notice no swirling of the water. That swirling is a good thing though, as it helps keep the water trap clean and also helps it to drain more quickly.
Manufacturers realized this and so in some sinks, you will actually see the plughole has a spiral metal shape cut into it, to help the water start swirling.
I hope this helps some?!
2007-02-19 11:04:34 · answer #1 · answered by TK_M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It goes whichever way the toilet designer intended; the jets under the rim are the source of the rotation. The question applies more to sinks and bathtubs, where it is supposed that Coriolis forces arising from the earth's rotation may have an influence, but the forces are too small to do so, and will be overwhelmed by any motion existing in the water at the time the drain is opened.
2007-02-19 11:10:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at the article I have listed in the source section. It covers your question and others of a similar nature.
CORIOLIS is the word you can search for. There is more information available but the place I am sending you should get you straightened out.
Good Reading...
2007-02-19 11:03:41 · answer #3 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why I have this bookmarked, but check it out anyway.
http://www.discovery.com/area/skinnyon/skinnyon970523/skinny1.html
Turns out that yes a large body will spin the ways people have depicted. A toilet is not a large body.
2007-02-19 11:00:15 · answer #4 · answered by M333 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the shape of the bowl, the initial direction of the flow, far too many factors, etc etc . The Coriolis effect is negligible. Forget about it.
2007-02-19 10:56:04 · answer #5 · answered by efes_haze 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
we are north of the equator, so the water spins the opposite direction as it would when you are south of the equator. Has to do with the rotation of the earth and water gravitating to the equator. Same thing as rivers in the US flow south, while south of the equator, rivers flow to the north.
Google some weather sat. photo and you will see storm systems that rotate in the same manner.
2007-02-19 10:59:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Interestingly, water spings counterclockwise nroth of the equator and clockwise south of it!! Gravity.
2007-02-19 10:57:51 · answer #7 · answered by maimatt7 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
the way gravity pulls the way it spins depends on what hemisphere you are on. at least thats what i know.
2007-02-19 10:55:25 · answer #8 · answered by xXCZRXx 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
the earths magnetic pull
2007-02-19 10:54:29 · answer #9 · answered by scotgal 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
water in my plug doesnt flow i think its blocked
2007-02-19 10:55:00 · answer #10 · answered by ibs 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋