Is it true if you flush a toilet in the north or south they'll flush the opposite way of each other. I've heard many myths on that and I'm not sure what to belive so if anyone knows let me know.
2007-04-12 04:06:49 · 8 answers · asked by slojojames2 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
It's pure bunk. The direction of a toilet flush or a sink draining is determined by the shape of the toilet or sink and any currents in the water, and that's it. The coriolis force, that does determine which way major weather systems rotate north or south of the equator, is far to weak to have significant effects on a plughole.
I have personally verified that myself. In my parents' house is a double sink in the kitchen. I filled both sinks one morning. That afternoon I drained them both. Two sinks, separated by a few inches, and well to the north of the equator, drained in opposite directions.
2007-04-12 04:12:20 · answer #1 · answered by Jason T 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The reverse direction at the equator you are referring to is the Coriolis effect. It is a relatively weak force but is generally responsible to the rotation of natural phenomenon like hurricanes, storm fronts, and tornado.
however the Coriolis effect is as stated a weak force that requires a lot of time and need to act upon a very large system to exhibit influence. Your toilet/sinks design and any current induced is responsible for the direction of the drain swirl, they are much more immediate and stronger forces.
2007-04-12 06:11:55 · answer #2 · answered by Brian K² 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The coriolis stress isn't sturdy sufficient to reason an result on water draining in a bathroom or sink, it in basic terms drains the perfect way the water replaced into poured. It does have an result on climate structures because the small stress is recent over a lengthy time period.
2016-12-03 21:51:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is ridiculous, this same question was posted last week or the week before.
The location has very little to do with it. It has to do with how the toilet is made.
2007-04-12 04:09:32 · answer #4 · answered by 81 Honda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, i thought it was just something stupid mentioned on an episode of the simpsons.
2007-04-12 04:11:55 · answer #5 · answered by dawn of life 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No -- that's bad science. Read here
http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadCoriolis.html
2007-04-12 04:12:55 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is true. but i do not know what happens at the equator
2007-04-12 04:11:13 · answer #7 · answered by blackrealty 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes
2007-04-12 04:09:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋