05 Feb 2010

Australian Physics Lesson

Many educated people believe that water drains counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, and clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
 
This is called the Coriolis effect.  It has to do with the Earth’s rotation, and empirical evidence such as cyclone and typhoon direction.
 
However, it is FALSE.

Even though the Coriolis effect is valid if all other things are equal, it has so little force that things like tilt and flush location have a far greater effect.

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Comments

Mark Napolitano - 5 months ago

I have been to Australia 6 times and never actually double checked that Barry. Thanks for the information :) I just wanted to say that as a lover of world travel myself I find your blog very enjoyable. I check for your Twitter update every morning to see where in the world you are and then read the full blog here. Looks like you are both having a great time. Take care Mark Napolitano

Ruth Flinn - 4 months ago

What a FABULOUS work you've done on your blog of your World Cruise! CONGRATULATIONS! We were on the first leg (San Diego) to Sydney and you've done a great job of bringing back very fond memories! My challenge, as directed by my (lives in Hawaii) sister, was to confirm that water drains counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Tried as I may, filled sinks & tubs (well, not completely!), spun the water counter-clockwise and non-the-less, it always ended up clockwise! Thus, my non-scientific testing says that the only time it appears to be counter-clockwise is if the water coming out of the faucet is forcing it that way! Thank you for the INCREDIBLE memories! R PS: YES, totally enjoying the site!

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