When Trying to Blow a Ping Pong Ball Out of a Funnel: Understanding High Pressure

What causes the high pressure that holds the ping pong ball in the funnel, even against gravity?

The high pressure that holds the ping pong ball in the funnel, even against gravity, occurs near the narrow end of the funnel.

Understanding Bernoulli's Principle

Bernoulli's principle states that as the speed of a fluid (or air in this case) increases, the pressure decreases.

Pressure Distribution in the Funnel

When trying to blow a ping pong ball out of a funnel, the high pressure that holds the ball in place is generated near the narrow end of the funnel. As air is blown into the funnel, it accelerates and speeds up, creating a region of fast-moving air near the narrow end.

Role of Airflow Acceleration

Pressure inside the funnel near the narrow end is lower compared to the surrounding air pressure due to the acceleration of airflow. This pressure difference creates a suction effect that holds the ping pong ball against gravity, preventing it from falling out of the funnel.

Pressure Variation Throughout the Funnel

The high pressure occurs near the narrow end of the funnel, where the airflow is accelerated. In contrast, the pressure throughout the funnel remains relatively constant, except for the localized region near the narrow end where the pressure difference is significant.

By understanding Bernoulli's principle and the dynamics of airflow acceleration in the funnel, we can explain how high pressure near the narrow end holds the ping pong ball in place against gravity.