Rotating Air Table
Beaker with Water and Food Coloring
Beaker with Water and Food Coloring

 

Code Number: 2C50.20

Demo Title: Tornado Vortex

Condition: Good

Principle: Turbulence and Vortex

Area of Study: Fluids

Equipment: 

Rotating Air Table, Beakers, Water, Food Coloring or Ink.

Procedure:

Set a beaker of water in the middle of the rotating air table. Place a drop of food coloring between the edge and center of the beaker. Spin the air table. A cylinder should be produced as the drop descends into the water and is subject to shear forces.

References:

  • R. J. Munro, M. R. Foster, "BACKSCATTER - A Wandering Vortex", Physics Today, Vol. 75, #4, April 2022, p. 64.
  • Kyle Dickman, "Pillar of Fire", Popular Science, July/August 2017, p. 48-55.
  • 4.66:  Jearl Walker, "Taylor's Ink Walls," The Flying Circus of Physics with Answers.
  • Frank Oppenheimer, "Tornado," Working Prototypes, p. 24- 27.
  • Tik L. Liem, "Make A Fire Cyclone", Invitations to Science Inquiry - Supplement to 1st and 2nd Ed. p. 34.