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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of water drainage at the equator and whether it spins clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as the implications of this for the efficiency of engines or motors. The scope includes theoretical considerations and potential applications related to the Coriolis effect.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether water drains clockwise or counterclockwise at the equator and if this phenomenon is real or a myth.
  • Another participant asserts that the Coriolis effect is too weak to influence the direction of water drainage, suggesting that initial motion and disturbances are the primary factors.
  • A different participant reinforces the idea that the Coriolis force is negligible over the width of a water basin, indicating that other factors dominate the drainage direction.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for a link provided that discusses the Coriolis effect and its misconceptions.
  • A participant acknowledges the information shared regarding the water flow issue, indicating uncertainty about the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity of the water drainage phenomenon related to the Coriolis effect, with some asserting it is a myth while others question its implications for efficiency in engines or motors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the Coriolis effect's influence on water drainage, with participants noting that other factors may overshadow it. There are also references to external sources that provide further context.

officer1032
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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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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'.
 
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"
 
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Nice link, Doc. Thanks.
 
Thanks for your info wasn't sure of the water flow issue.
 

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