Science Common Sense

1092 - What is siphoning phenomenon used for, and what can connected pipes be used to measure?

Imagine a U-shaped tube with two same height ends containing different liquid levels. When a tube's end is placed into the liquid lower than the liquid level in the tube's other end, the liquid in the higher end goes into the tube and comes out of the lower end. This is called siphoning. It is used for moving liquids from higher to lower levels without needing a pump.

Connected pipes, often U-shaped tubes with liquid in them, can be used as a "manometer" to measure pressure differences (like how windy it is or air pressure) and flow rates.