Does the Coriolis effect determine the direction water swirls down a drain?

No, the Coriolis effect does not determine the direction water swirls down a drain. The direction of the water in a drain is actually determined by other factors such as the shape of the basin and the direction of the water flow when it enters the drain. The Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth's rotation, does affect the rotation of large-scale weather patterns, such as hurricanes and typhoons. However, it has no noticeable effect on the rotation of small-scale systems such as sinks and toilets.

The myth that the Coriolis effect determines the direction of water in a drain is widely believed, and has been popularized in various forms of media, including movies and television shows. While it is true that the Coriolis effect has an impact on the rotation of the Earth and the atmosphere, it does not affect the direction of water in a drain.

No, the Coriolis effect does not determine the direction water swirls down a drain. The Coriolis effect is an inertial force that is caused by the rotation of the Earth. It is an apparent force because it is not due to any physical interaction between the Earth and the water. The Coriolis effect is only significant for large objects or long-distance movements. The water in a sink is too small and the movement is too short for the Coriolis effect to have any noticeable impact.

The direction that water swirls down a drain is actually determined by a number of factors, including the shape of the drain, the initial motion of the water, and the presence of any obstructions. In general, water will tend to swirl in the direction that it was already moving when it entered the drain. However, if the drain is not perfectly round or if there are any obstructions, the water may swirl in a different direction.

There is a common misconception that water swirls down the drain in opposite directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This is not true. The Coriolis effect does cause objects to deflect in opposite directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, but this effect is only significant for large objects or long-distance movements. The water in a sink is too small and the movement is too short for the Coriolis effect to have any noticeable impact.