How Does Centripetal Force Influence Water Flow in a Whirlpool?

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In summary, the direction of water flow down a drain is due to the Coriolis effect caused by the rotation of the Earth. This causes water to flow in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The shape of the sink or drain does not affect the direction of the water flow, and changing the direction or speed of the water will not alter the direction of the flow.
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What type of physics is it when water flows down a drain?
 
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A lot of different types. Are you interested in the flow? In the pressure in the pipe? In the motion of the flow? What exactly are you interested in?
 
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DivisionByZro said:
A lot of different types. Are you interested in the flow? In the pressure in the pipe? In the motion of the flow? What exactly are you interested in?

I'm interested in the flow of the water in the whirlpool-type motion. Could it be centripetal force?
 

FAQ: How Does Centripetal Force Influence Water Flow in a Whirlpool?

Why does water always flow down the drain in a circular motion?

Water flowing down the drain in a circular motion is due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the rotation of the Earth. This causes a force that deflects moving objects, such as water, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Does the direction of the water flow change depending on which hemisphere you are in?

Yes, the direction of the water flow does change depending on which hemisphere you are in. In the Northern Hemisphere, water will flow clockwise down the drain, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it will flow counterclockwise.

Is it true that the direction of the water flow is affected by the shape of the sink or drain?

No, the shape of the sink or drain does not affect the direction of the water flow. The Coriolis effect is a much stronger force than any small variations in the shape of the sink or drain.

Can you change the direction of the water flow by changing the direction of the water entering the sink or drain?

No, the direction of the water flow is determined by the Coriolis effect and the rotation of the Earth. Changing the direction of the water entering the sink or drain will not have any significant impact on the direction of the water flow.

Does the speed of the water affect the direction of the water flow?

No, the speed of the water does not affect the direction of the water flow. The direction is solely determined by the Coriolis effect and the rotation of the Earth, not the speed of the water.

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