A new study validates the 2024 'momentum flux theory,' demonstrating that the angular momentum of fluid flow is the primary driver behind the rotation of Feynman's reverse sprinkler and similar 'silly sprinklers.' This research resolves a long-standing physics puzzle by confirming theoretical predictions regarding fluid dynamics in these systems.
Background
Feynman's reverse sprinkler is a famous physics thought experiment involving a sprinkler that sucks in water instead of expelling it, raising questions about its direction of rotation. Recent theoretical work has proposed that momentum flux explains this counter-intuitive behavior.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 14, 2026 at 03:00 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10