Does Water Always Drain in the Same Direction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether water always drains in the same direction when released from a plug hole, particularly when the water is initially still. Participants explore various factors that may influence the direction of drainage, including environmental and design considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the direction of water drainage is influenced by the direction the water entered the sink and the shape and design of the sink.
  • One participant recalls a common belief that water drains in different directions depending on the hemisphere, expressing disappointment upon learning this was not true.
  • Another participant references popular culture, suggesting that if shows like The Simpsons have scientific credibility, then the hemisphere effect on water drainage might hold some truth, while also questioning its validity.
  • Links to external sources discussing the Coriolis effect are provided, indicating a desire for further elaboration on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, with multiple competing views regarding the factors influencing water drainage direction and the validity of the hemisphere effect.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the influence of various factors on water drainage, and there are references to popular beliefs that may not be scientifically substantiated.

billiards
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Hi, I just wanted to see some of your thoughts on this rather common physics question.

Does the water always go down the plug hole in the same direction?
Let the water be perfectly still before the plug is released.


Feel free to elaborate, cheers.
 
Last edited:
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No, the water does not always go down the plug hole in the same direction. There are many factors which affect this, the main two being the direction the water entered the sink, and the shape and design of the sink.

Do you have any thoughts on the question?
 
Okay, let me just clarify that I wanted the water to be still before the plug was released... I'll let others jump in before I give you my thoughts.
 
I remember being told as a youger boy that water turns according to which hemisphere of the Earth it is on... was pissed when I found out it wasn't true :)
 
Last edited:
If The Simpsons has any scientific credibility (& the UK's 'teach physics' advertisements) then water does turn according to which hemisphere you're in. Then again it might not matter, they could well be wrong.

How about some elaboration, why?

I know you're smart people, prove it.
 

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