Water Circling Drain Coriolis effect

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of deriving water flow using a cone-shaped funnel and taking into account the coriolis effect. A simpler system of an ice cone with a hockey-puck sliding down it is used to understand the physics involved, such as conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. The conversation also suggests breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts for a better understanding.
  • #1
ethopianprince
3
0
Lets say a cone shaped funnel was made as I was draining water (due to coriolis effect) and that there is a given circumferential velocity (lets say its 5m/s) at a certain radius of the cone (lets say 15 cm), also the cone's vertex is inside the drain and is a certain distance (lets say this is 20 cm) from the drain. In this case how would one get to figuring out the flow rate at the start of the cone (at r=15cm) and at the vertex of the cone?

Just a situation I would like to know about IF it shows up on the Physics C test(s), you can never be too sure :P
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF;
Leaving aside the coriolis effect for a bit, and the water thing, and just look at a simpler system to try to understand what is going on. How about an ice cone with a hockey-puck sliding down it? Then you can use your understanding of sliding on a slope with negligible friction.

If you just drop the puck, it slides right down.
If you give it a sideways push, you can make is spiral down.
Having to stay in contact with the cone wall puts a constraint on the angle of the spiral.
Because of the constricting circle, the speed around the spiral also increases.
To work it out you need to realize that energy, momentum and angular momentum are all conserved.

Water flow can be derived by considering a small volume of the water being like the puck and the coriolis effect adds an extra very small pseudoforce.
 
  • #3
So many things I don't want to think about at this hour -_- but thanks! a more step by step procedure would've been better but this way its better! thanks for your help!


Simon Bridge said:
Welcome to PF;
Leaving aside the coriolis effect for a bit, and the water thing, and just look at a simpler system to try to understand what is going on. How about an ice cone with a hockey-puck sliding down it? Then you can use your understanding of sliding on a slope with negligible friction.

If you just drop the puck, it slides right down.
If you give it a sideways push, you can make is spiral down.
Having to stay in contact with the cone wall puts a constraint on the angle of the spiral.
Because of the constricting circle, the speed around the spiral also increases.
To work it out you need to realize that energy, momentum and angular momentum are all conserved.

Water flow can be derived by considering a small volume of the water being like the puck and the coriolis effect adds an extra very small pseudoforce.
 
  • #4
A step-by-step would be a "mindless walkthrough" ... you learn more this way.
What I'm hoping you'll see is that you already know the physics and the geometry to work it out as soon as the problem gets broken down.
So it's better to have a walkthrough in the sense it's easier and faster - but it is better this way for different and more meaningful reasons :)
Enjoy.
 
  • #5
Haha I will! just not today.. sleep>physics
 

Related to Water Circling Drain Coriolis effect

1. What is the Coriolis effect?

The Coriolis effect is a phenomenon that causes moving objects on the Earth's surface to appear to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is due to the rotation of the Earth.

2. How does the Coriolis effect affect water circling a drain?

The Coriolis effect does not have a significant impact on water circling a drain. The rotation of the Earth is too slow and the size of the drain is too small for the Coriolis effect to be noticeable.

3. Is it true that the direction of water circling a drain is determined by the Coriolis effect?

No, the direction of water circling a drain is primarily determined by the shape of the drain and the direction of the initial flow of water. The Coriolis effect is too weak to have a noticeable impact on the direction of water circling a drain.

4. Can the Coriolis effect be observed in other natural phenomena?

Yes, the Coriolis effect can be observed in many natural phenomena, such as the rotation of hurricanes, the movement of ocean currents, and the direction of winds. It is also responsible for the rotation direction of the Earth's major weather systems.

5. Why is there a common misconception that the Coriolis effect affects water circling a drain?

There is a common misconception that the Coriolis effect affects water circling a drain because of a popular experiment performed in the 19th century. However, the experiment was flawed and the results were not due to the Coriolis effect. This misconception has been perpetuated in popular culture and media, leading to widespread belief that the Coriolis effect affects water circling a drain.

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