Question 3
What is a siphon? Explain its principle of action.
Answer
A siphon is a bent tube used to transfer liquid from one container to another, where the liquid flows uphill against gravity.
Principle of action of a siphon
The principle of a siphon is based on the fact that liquid flows from a higher level to a lower level due to the difference in pressure between the two points. When the siphon tube is filled with liquid and the ends are placed in two containers, the liquid flows down the tube due to the force of gravity until the lowest point of the siphon tube is reached. At this point, the liquid is pulled up and over the curve of the tube by the difference in pressure between the higher and lower points and flows into the other container until both liquid levels are equal.
