Rotation and Poles: Water Draining Equator - True or Farce?

In summary, the conversation discusses the common belief that water drains in different directions depending on the location of the equator. However, scientific evidence shows that this is a myth and the direction of the water flow is determined by other factors. A link is provided for further information on this topic.
  • #1
officer1032
2
0
I have a question with rotation and the equator. The question is on the north and south sides of the equator water travels clockwise or counterclockwise when drained. Does this occures in the first place or is it a farce.
If this is true would engines or motors work more efficiently working in the direction of the pull. For instance the rotors on a helicopter would they be more efficient working in the direction of the pull ?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF.
According to any scientific tests that I know of, the effect is a myth. Coriolis forces aren't strong enough to affect something like that. Which way the water spins is determined by initial motion, along with what sort of disturbance occurs during the 'uncorking'.
 
  • #3
officer1032 said:
The question is on the north and south sides of the equator water travels clockwise or counterclockwise when drained. Does this occures in the first place or is it a farce.
It's nonsense. Over the width of a water basin, the coriolis force is miniscule, easily swamped by other parameters. Read this: http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadCoriolis.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Nice link, Doc. Thanks.
 
  • #5
Thanks for your info wasn't sure of the water flow issue.
 

FAQ: Rotation and Poles: Water Draining Equator - True or Farce?

Is it true that water drains in opposite directions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres due to the Coriolis effect?

No, this is a common misconception. The Coriolis effect does not directly affect the direction of water draining in a sink or toilet. The direction of rotation is determined by the shape and design of the draining mechanism, not the hemisphere.

Can water actually drain in a straight line at the equator?

Yes, water can drain in a straight line at the equator. The Coriolis effect is only significant for large-scale phenomena such as weather patterns, and its influence on the direction of water draining in a sink or toilet is negligible.

Is there any scientific evidence to support the claim that water drains differently in the Northern and Southern hemispheres?

No, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, experiments have been conducted at the equator and in both hemispheres, and the direction of water draining has been found to be random and not affected by the Coriolis effect.

Does the rotation of the Earth have any impact on the direction of water draining?

Yes, the rotation of the Earth does have an impact on the direction of water draining, but it is on a much larger scale. The Earth's rotation influences the movement of ocean currents and weather patterns, but not the direction of water draining in a sink or toilet.

Are there any other factors that can affect the direction of water draining besides the Coriolis effect?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the direction of water draining, such as the shape and design of the draining mechanism, the initial movement of the water, and the presence of any obstructions. These factors have a much greater influence on the direction of water draining than the Coriolis effect.

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