THE VORTEX

The design that's not a flop

There are lots of web pages that show you how to connect two soda bottles together to make a vortex. Mind you, it's a great idea. I've been mesmerized for hours watching the wavy sides of the vortex and seeing bits of ribbon accelerate into the the center of the whirlpool. But the designs I've seen all flop around and leak. Duct tape might be "handyman's secret weapon," but wrapping endless amounts around two bottle necks is not going to fix those two problems. A couple of pennies worth of plastic pipe and food-wrap will.

INSTRUCTIONS To make a vortex in a bottle click here or on the picture.

MORE ABOUT VORTECIES For explanations, activities and cool links related to vorticesclick here or on the picture.

I'd like to know how this project goes for you. I'm happy to answer questions about it. Feedback from you is an important way for me to know what works and what needs clarification.

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