eli5 why can a straw carry water without the bottom dripping but not a pool?

554 viewsOtherPhysics

Essentially my question is this: if I get a straw and put it in water, I cover my thumb on the top and pull out, water doesn’t want to leave. Idk why or how but regardless.

How come this same thing doesn’t apply for a swimming pool? Like a body of water is suspended because it has a lid or roof?

In: Physics

10 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The difference is the surface area, and the effects of surface tension

In the small space at the end of a straw, the air pushing up on the water can’t “get past” the water due to surface tension, so the water stays suspended.

In a swimming pool, the surface tension wouldn’t be as strong, and the water would be able to “get by”, making the water fall out the bottom.

You are viewing 1 out of 10 answers, click here to view all answers.