Bending time: The tubular water clock.
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| Title: | Bending time: The tubular water clock. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Zengel, Keith1 (AUTHOR) zengelk@wit.edu, Luu, Hong-An1 (AUTHOR), Stollman, Samuel1 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | American Journal of Physics. Nov2025, Vol. 93 Issue 11, p859-864. 6p. |
| Subjects: | Time measurements, Physics laboratories, Problem solving, Mathematical analysis, Flow velocity, Scientific experimentation, Plastic pipe |
| Abstract: | A water clock is a device that is either filled or drained and shows time through a changing water level. The ancient design challenge is to fashion a container where the water level rises or falls at a constant rate, and thus sweeps out equal height intervals in equal time intervals. Here, we present a new solution to this challenge that involves draining bent plastic tubes. This experiment may be used as an introductory physics lab activity that encourages creative problem solving, and can be adapted to the needs of calculus-based and algebra-based physics courses. Editor's Note: Water clocks go back to antiquity, using a container shaped so that its water level rises or falls at a constant rate to mark the passage of time. This paper describes an experiment where a flexible clear plastic tube is bent at an angle to the vertical; with the correct bending, a steady flow rate can be achieved. The paper presents the mathematical analysis of the flow and experimental results obtained with smartphone videos. The experiment can be conducted by students in a single laboratory session, during which they can test different tube shapes. Appropriate for both introductory and advanced students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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