One of the most popular myths about Australia is that toilets flush in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere. But is it true? In this article, we will explore the science behind the myth and find out the truth.
The Coriolis Effect
The myth about toilet flush direction is based on the Coriolis effect, which is a natural phenomenon that affects the rotation of the Earth. The Coriolis effect causes objects moving in a straight line to appear to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
However, the Coriolis effect is only noticeable in large-scale phenomena, such as hurricanes or ocean currents. In small-scale phenomena, such as toilet flushes, the Coriolis effect is too weak to have any significant effect.
The Truth About Toilet Flush Direction
The direction in which a toilet flushes is determined by the shape of the bowl and the angle of the water jets, not by the Coriolis effect. In fact, if you take two identical toilets and place them side by side, one in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere, they will flush in the same direction.
So, the answer to the question "do toilets flush the opposite way in Australia?" is no. The direction of a toilet flush is determined by the toilet's design, not by the hemisphere in which it is located.
Why the Myth Persists
Despite the fact that the myth about toilet flush direction has been debunked, it still persists. This is because it is a fun and interesting factoid that has been perpetuated by popular culture.
The myth was popularized by an episode of The Simpsons, in which the family travels to Australia and discovers that toilets flush in the opposite direction. Since then, the myth has been repeated in countless TV shows, movies, and travel guides.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it. The myth about toilets flushing in the opposite direction in Australia is just that - a myth. The direction of a toilet flush is determined by the toilet's design, not by the hemisphere in which it is located. While it may be a fun factoid, it is not based in science.