Thursday, January 14, 2010

Do Toilets really flush in the opposite direction depending on your hemisphere?



The myth that a toilet will flow in a counter-clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere has been relevant for a while. This is a myth that can easily be tested, simply by going to the Southern Hemisphere and flushing a toilet. So one would think that any origin of this myth would’ve been answered quickly and there would be no more discussion on this topic. However that is not the case about this myth. This topic still exists, mostly because the average person is unsure of the answer, but this person still knows of the myth. It has been tried to be proven with science, particularly the “coriolis effect”, which is the way to back up the claim scientifically. The coriolis effect does exist, but we will look at that later. If you are trying to disprove this myth, go to South America and flush a toilet. The toilets don’t lie!

A toilet will flow counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere has perhaps tripped up so many humans because of the scientific facts that are argued for it. This coriolis effect tends to make objects to veer right in the northern hemisphere and left in the southern hemisphere due to the equator. Given this information, why wouldn’t the toilet flow in opposite directions when in opposite hemispheres when regular objects veer in opposite directions? For this proven science of the coriolis effect, many choose to believe science. We’ll see if this is the right side to believe?

So, is this myth true? NO! In fact, the toilet does not flow any differently in the southern hemisphere. Snopes.com tells us the coriolis effect only affects larger objects. On a research paper done online by a Penn State professor titled “Bad Coriolis”, We see that again “The Coriolis force is so small, that it plays no role in determining the direction of rotation of a draining sink anymore than it does the direction of a spinning CD.” It will not change any rotating thing that lasts a matter of seconds. This Coriolis does exist, but only effects things on a very minor scale, such so that it changes no direction. This is a Busted Myth. Not to mention all the travelers that can back up the fact that there is no change in direction. There is no change in the toilet flow direction no matter what hemisphere you visit.

10 comments:

Tasha1234 said...
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Tasha1234 said...

JB, i also do not think that On the different hemisphere, the toliet would flush the different way. It doesnt make sense!! why would that happen anyway! i think it would be a false myth.

Adele said...

I never really heard about this myth, but it makes sense. Everything else in the southern Hemisphere is opposite then the Northern so why wouldn't the toilets flush in a different direction. The coriolis idea is interesting and something i didn't know.

Gabi said...

The point you make about the “coriolis effect” is very interesting. And, if I hadn't read this blog, I probably would still believe that there could be a difference (since I've never had the chance to go to South America and flush a toilet). Good job explaining why the toilet doesn't flush in a different direction. Very interesting topic.

Tommy Goettler said...

I agree with you JB. How could a toilet flush in the other direction? I didn't know about the Coriolis effect, but it doesn't seem to change my mind that it will make the toilet flush the other direction. THE TOILETS DON'T LIE.

Tommy Goettler said...

It is so weird to think how this myth still lives and has like any question on which way it flows

Tasha1234 said...

I agree Tommy, i dont understand how a toliet could flush a different way?

Gabi said...

I also agree with Tommy, I mean really who would think a toilet could flush another way? But I guess it could be compared to having people drive on the opposite side of the road?

Gabi said...

This blog also makes me wonder if people in Southern Hemisphere have thought any ridiculous rumors about the Northern Hemisphere? Do you think any rumors have needed scientific studies conducted about things being different in the Northern Hemisphere?

Tommy Goettler said...

Good point gabi in other countries a lot of stuff is different