Why does shower curtain flutter inward?

  • Thread starter Thread starter r3dxP
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AI Thread Summary
The shower curtain flutters inward primarily due to the pressure difference created by air movement inside the shower. As water droplets fall, they accelerate the air, leading to lower pressure according to Bernoulli's Principle. This pressure difference is stronger than the adhesive forces between the curtain and water molecules, causing the curtain to be pulled inward. The discussion clarifies that temperature-related convection is not the main factor in this phenomenon. Understanding these principles can help explain the common experience of shower curtain fluttering.
r3dxP
why does the shower curtain(in most showers) tend to flutter inward during a shower?

well, i know its not due to water temperature because convection due to hot and cold air is not the primary answer.. so.. i think its because the adhesive forces between the [curtain - water molecule - shower tub] is greater than that of adhesive forces in the water molecules, thus, curtain tends to flutter inward to the shower tub.
please correct me if I am wrong. thanks alot!
 
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You had the right word - convection! Air inside the shower can move fairly rapidly (accelerated by the stream of water droplets) which lowers the pressure by Bernoulli's Principle. The pressure difference pushes the curtain inward.
 
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