Would a straw work in a vacuum?

In summary, a straw would not work in a vacuum because it needs air pressure to create suction and draw liquid up. Even if the straw was airtight, it would not work because the surrounding environment lacks air pressure. It is possible to modify a straw to work in a vacuum, but it would require specialized equipment. Everyday objects like straws are not designed to function in a vacuum, but there are certain things that can work in a vacuum, such as specialized equipment designed for use in space or in vacuum chambers.
  • #1
rmberwin
13
1
If the liquid in a soda straw moves up because the outside air pressure is greater than the pressure in the lungs, it seems that a straw wouldn't work in a vacuum. Is this the case?
 
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  • #2
Yes, that is correct.
 

1. Would a straw work in a vacuum?

No, a straw would not work in a vacuum. This is because a vacuum is an environment devoid of air, and a straw relies on air pressure to draw liquid up and into the straw.

2. Why wouldn't a straw work in a vacuum?

A straw needs air pressure to create suction and draw liquid up. In a vacuum, there is no air pressure, so the straw would not be able to suck up any liquid.

3. What if the straw was airtight, would it work in a vacuum then?

Even if the straw was airtight, it would still not work in a vacuum. This is because the liquid inside the straw would still be subject to the same lack of air pressure as the surrounding environment.

4. Could a straw be modified to work in a vacuum?

It is possible to modify a straw to work in a vacuum by using a pump to create suction instead of relying on air pressure. However, this would not be a traditional straw and would require specialized equipment.

5. Can anything work in a vacuum?

Yes, there are certain things that can work in a vacuum, such as specialized equipment designed for use in space or in vacuum chambers. However, everyday objects like straws are not designed to function in a vacuum.

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