Which liquid would be the best to swim up in?

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In summary, the denser the liquid, the harder it would be to swim to the surface. Honey is much more viscous than alcohol, so even if you could get to the surface, you would have a hard time breathing.
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cubby208
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A friend and I were debating this.

Would you be better trying to swim to the surface of 20 feet of alcohol or 20 feet of honey.

We can figure out that swimming out of alcohol is rather hopeless due to density but for honey we have no way to consider the viscosity of the liquid. Any thoughts?
 
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  • #2
cubby208 said:
A friend and I were debating this.

Would you be better trying to swim to the surface of 20 feet of alcohol or 20 feet of honey.

We can figure out that swimming out of alcohol is rather hopeless due to density but for honey we have no way to consider the viscosity of the liquid. Any thoughts?
What the heck are you asking about?

Viscosity of alcohol (which version?) is close to water. Why would it be hard to swim to the surface?
 
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What type of alcohol? Ethanol? Methanol? More details needed
 
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The alcohol is on fire?
 
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You wouldn't be able to swim very well in honey, but you'd float with little effort. So assuming 20ft of honey didn't crush you first, you'd float to the top without trying very hard.

Alcholol would get absorbed too easily, so while you could swim, you probably wouldn't be conscious very long.
 
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If I understand the question properly, in both cases you start 20 ft below the surface?

I see no way of surviving in neither case. Our density is very similar to water, so with full lungs we in fact float near the surface, there is no need for a substantial effort to keep us there (most of the struggle is to keep head high enough for breathing). In ethanol - because of a low density - you will sink to the bottom, it would be like trying to swim in water with a 20 kg stone attached. In honey you won't get to the surface fast enough to survive (although after some time your body will be much easier to collect, as it will reach the surface on its own).
 
  • #8
Evidently the alcohol end of this question is one that fascinates many, since Googling unEarth's a rich lode of hits. The OP has already been given some particularly macabre answers; here's a link to more:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-s...jumped-in-a-pool-full-of-alcohol-8940636.html

The scenario envisioned in the above link is a tiny bit different - "what happens if I jump into a swimming pool full of hard alcohol" - but the results are deemed to just as unpleasantly fatal. E.g.:

"As you are in the air, you will likely begin to feel the effects of alcohol inhalation. Enjoy the few fractions of a second of buzz – things are about to get bad. As you hit, you'll get a preview of what you're in for. Small cuts on your feet and legs will sting, and maybe your skin will start to chill and feel like you just suddenly did the reverse of moisturising.

"Then the real pain will start – as you hit the first sensitive parts of your body, where live cells are exposed, or where the skin is thinner and nerves are clustered. As your sexual organs and anus submerge you will feel pain like the wrong end of the nastiest bowl of Texas chilli you ever imagined."
 
  • #9
But you might be OK with wine . . .

 
  • #10
The Mythbusters explored what happens when swimming in liquids much denser than water.
 
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Honey is 1.42 times as dense as water, but 10,000 times as viscous. I think it would take far too much energy to move 20ft through it in the time you could hold your breath.
 
  • #12
dipole said:
Honey is 1.42 times as dense as water, but 10,000 times as viscous.

That seems a bit high, what tempature are you looking at?
 
  • #13
Student100 said:
That seems a bit high, what tempature are you looking at?

http://www.vp-scientific.com/Viscosity_Tables.htm

Another source quotes it as being 2000-3000 cps, and water at 1-5 cps. Still, it's many times more viscous than it is dense - so the added buoyancy doesn’t seem like it will offset the viscosity that much.
 

FAQ: Which liquid would be the best to swim up in?

1. What factors determine the best liquid for swimming?

The best liquid for swimming depends on several factors, including its density, viscosity, and temperature. A liquid with low density and viscosity, such as water, is easier to swim in because it offers less resistance. Additionally, a comfortable temperature, usually between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit, is important for a comfortable and efficient swimming experience.

2. Is there a difference between swimming in fresh water vs. salt water?

Yes, there is a difference between swimming in fresh water and salt water. Salt water is denser than fresh water, making it easier to float and swim in. However, the higher salt content can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Fresh water may feel lighter to swim in, but it also requires more energy due to its lower density.

3. Can any liquid be used for swimming?

In theory, any liquid can be used for swimming. However, some liquids may not be safe or comfortable for swimming. For example, liquids that are too thick, such as honey or syrup, can make it difficult to move and may be unhealthy to ingest. It's best to stick to liquids that are specifically designed for swimming, such as water or chlorine-treated pool water.

4. Are there any health benefits to swimming in a specific liquid?

Swimming in any liquid can have numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and increased muscle strength. However, some liquids may have additional benefits. For example, swimming in salt water can have a positive effect on skin conditions, while swimming in mineral water may provide therapeutic benefits for certain health conditions.

5. How does the choice of liquid affect the performance of swimmers?

The choice of liquid can greatly impact a swimmer's performance. As mentioned earlier, the density and viscosity of the liquid can affect the amount of resistance a swimmer experiences, which can impact their speed and efficiency. The temperature of the liquid can also play a role, as swimming in colder liquids may cause the body to use more energy to maintain its core temperature.

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