8
$\begingroup$

just curious why the water in the aquarium tank would not leak out as shown in the picture provided below? The question is in the red circle. The water level in the aquarium tank is definitely higher than the hand entrance from what it seems. How they did that?

What sorcery is this?

enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
10
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ The tank is sealed at the top. $\endgroup$
    – Dmitry Brant
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 2:10
  • $\begingroup$ But still the water will leak out from the hand entrance there right? $\endgroup$
    – 4 Leave Cover
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 2:13
  • $\begingroup$ Atmospheric pressure presses down on the water floating outside the inlet (there's a reason it's shaped that way). If water were to flow out of the tank, it would leave behind a vacuum. Therefore, it doesn't leave the tank. $\endgroup$
    – Dmitry Brant
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 2:21
  • $\begingroup$ Refer to this parlor trick for a similar effect: physicscentral.com/experiment/physicsathome/magicwaterglass.cfm $\endgroup$
    – Dmitry Brant
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 2:24
  • $\begingroup$ @DmitryBrant Any maintenance job would require the staff to remove the top cover right? Or they could just seal the inlet first? Anyway thanks to your answer finally I get it. $\endgroup$
    – 4 Leave Cover
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 2:29

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
10
$\begingroup$

Probably, atmospheric pressure prevents the leak. If, as Dmitry Brant suggested, the tank is sealed at the top, atmospheric pressure acts from outside only.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Meaning if the cover is removed from the top of the tank. The water will flow out from the hand entrance there? $\endgroup$
    – 4 Leave Cover
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 2:21
  • $\begingroup$ Yes . It would help in draining fast, even if there is also a lower drain. (Usually during maintenance some water is left at the bottom so that the fish survive ) A container for water should be placed underneath of course $\endgroup$
    – anna v
    Commented Oct 16, 2013 at 3:15

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.