Question #204

Shown in the figure below is three turns of coiled plastic tubing. One end, fitted with a small funnel, extends upward from the table to over twice the diameter of the tubing. The other end simply lies on the table after it leaves the coil.

Now we will pour water into the funnel until something happens. The question is what will happen; in particular, what will happen first. At least two things immediately come to mind: the water might come out the end lying on the table or the funnel might overflow before any water comes out the lower end.

When water is poured into the funnel:

• (a) Water will come out the bottom end first.
• (b) Water will overflow the funnel before it comes out the bottom end.
• (c) Water will come out both ends at about the same time.
• (d) Something else will happen (specify).

  Click here for Answer #204 after January 17, 2005.

  ---

  Question of the Week
  Outreach Index Page
  Lecture-Demonstration Home Page
  
  For questions and comments regarding the Question of the Week contact Dr. Richard E. Berg by e-mail or using phone number or regular mail address given on the Lecture-Demonstration Home Page.