Random question, i know. But it came across in out science lesson [about gravity] and the teacher was interested. Now its my homework to find out why!
Simply explained answers please- and my homeworks in for tommorow! :S
thank you!
2007-03-11 07:53:40 · 6 answers · asked by lyd 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
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.
Hope you get an A* ....
2007-03-11 08:00:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should tell your science teacher he has been gullible to believe this myth. The Coriollis effect is too weak to be seen on the scale of water in a sink or toilet. The direction depends on any small amount or original movement as pointed out by others. Suggest to your science teacher, that he pulls the plug out of his sink slowly when the water is still (as someone else mentioned) then just give the water a tiny swirl in any direction with his finger. The water will then keep going in the direction he swirled it.
2007-03-11 09:45:53 · answer #2 · answered by Mambo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i might say the frst element you ought to be attentive to may well be the whole theory-approximately gravity, in case you located the lavatory the different way up, the water might fall out, now assuming for a 2d that there become no such element as gravity the water might nonetheless spin in a similar course.
2016-11-24 20:39:33 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a joke! water goes the direction you send it. And you don't have to go down under to see.
2007-03-11 08:54:45 · answer #4 · answered by Bear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coriolis effect, look at the question i asked in my questions, u should find all the answers u need in there
2007-03-11 07:58:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't go the other way and has been well proven by observation.
2007-03-11 07:58:40 · answer #6 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋