2007-08-17 17:59:05 · 5 answers · asked by RR_MXLI 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I thought it did. The article makes a good argument that I was wrong.
"A misconception in popular culture is that the Coriolis effect determines the direction in which bathtubs or toilets drain, such that water always drains in one direction in the Northern Hemisphere, and in the other direction in the Southern Hemisphere. This urban legend has been perpetuated by several television programs, including an episode of The Simpsons and The X-Files[1]. In addition, several science broadcasts and publications (including at least one college-level physics textbook) have made this incorrect statement.[2]..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriolis_effect#Draining_bathtubs_and_toilets
2007-08-17 18:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by bravozulu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that cyclonic storms rotate anti-clockwise in the Northen hemisphere and clockwise in the Sothern hemisphere is due to the coriolis force which is the result of the earth's spin.Because they are large scale systems they are affected by coriolis force.But the "toilet flush run" is a very very small system and the impact of the coriolis force on it is negligible.So the statement is not correct.Only design of the toilet decides the direction.
2007-08-17 22:12:07 · answer #2 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the swirl depends how the bowl is shaped not where it is located.
2007-08-17 20:30:30 · answer #3 · answered by S. Rook 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it does
2007-08-17 18:07:16 · answer #4 · answered by Keith 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes!!!! easy!!! you, yourself change the direction!!!!!! clear?????
2007-08-17 18:03:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋