Understanding Toilet Flushing: The Northern vs. Southern Hemisphere Mystery

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of toilet flushing direction in relation to the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Participants explore the potential influences of gravity, rotational velocities, and the Coriolis effect, while also considering the design of toilets as a contributing factor. The conversation touches on both theoretical and practical aspects of this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the significance of hemisphere location on toilet flushing direction, suggesting that toilet design may be a more relevant factor.
  • One participant mentions the Coriolis effect, explaining that while it influences large vortices like hurricanes, its impact on toilets is negligible and undetectable without extreme measures.
  • Another participant clarifies that while all points have the same angular speed, linear speed varies with distance from the axis of rotation, leading to differences in movement between points in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
  • Some participants reflect on their past learning experiences regarding this topic, indicating a lack of recent recall on the specifics.
  • A humorous comment references popular culture, suggesting a light-hearted take on the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the primary reasons for the differences in toilet flushing direction, with multiple competing views remaining regarding the influence of the Coriolis effect versus toilet design.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the Coriolis effect is relevant on larger scales but may not apply effectively to the small scale of toilets. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific mechanisms at play, with some assumptions about the physics involved remaining unaddressed.

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I wouldn't think the hmisphere you're in would make that much of a difference in the flushing of your toilet. I don't under stand why the toilet flushes clockwise in The Northern Hemisphere and counter clockwise in The Southern.

Gravity and rotation velocities are the same. Just what is it that makes it spin one way or the opposite?
 
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Line said:
I wouldn't think the hmisphere you're in would make that much of a difference in the flushing of your toilet.
It doesn't.
I don't under stand why the toilet flushes clockwise in The Northern Hemisphere and counter clockwise in The Southern.
If toilets flush differently in the Southern hemisphere, it's because they are made differently.

Gravity and rotation velocities are the same. Just what is it that makes it spin one way or the opposite?
Actually, things are not quite the same. Above the equator, points north rotate slower than points south--leading to counter-clockwise rotation of large vortices (like hurricanes) in the Northern hemisphere; below the equator, just the opposite. This is the coriolis effect. But on the scale of toilets, the effect is extremely small and undetectable without extreme measures.

You may enjoy reading this: http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadCoriolis.html
 
But I love the title! "Why does the Toilet?" I'll ponder that forever!
 
The Northern Hemishpere rotates slower...how?
 
Line said:
The Northern Hemishpere rotates slower...how?
Let me be clearer: The Northern Hemisphere doesn't rotate slower, but in the Northern Hemisphere, points north move slower than points south.

All points have the same angular speed, of course. But the linear speed depends on your distance from the axis of rotation: the further away from the axis, the faster. In the Northern Hemisphere, points north move slower than points south since they are closer to the axis.
 
Damn simpsons and their propaganda!
 
In my physics class we learned why, but that was 2 years ago and I forgot now. Good luck on finding this one out.
 
azneternity said:
In my physics class we learned why, but that was 2 years ago and I forgot now. Good luck on finding this one out.

It's how the manufactorer builds the toilet. The physical principle your thinking about doesn't work on small scales.
 

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