DeepSummary
The episode begins with Mr. Prim introducing himself as the owner of Mr. Prim's Prim and Proper Etiquette School, where they teach proper behaviors like how to pass gas politely, inform someone about a booger, and stir tea properly. He explains that stirring tea too quickly creates a tiny whirlpool or tornado due to changes in pressure and velocity.
Jacy Bird, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Boston University, provides a detailed explanation of why stirring a liquid very quickly in a circular motion causes a tornado-like structure to form. The faster velocity in the center creates lower pressure, causing the surface to be sucked down into a tornado shape.
Mr. Prim returns to emphasize the importance of stirring tea slowly and properly, as per etiquette standards. The episode also includes promotional messages for the Brains On podcast and encourages listeners to support the show through donations.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Stirring a liquid rapidly in a circular motion can create a tornado-like vortex due to changes in pressure and velocity.
- Proper etiquette dictates that one should stir tea slowly and gently to avoid creating an unseemly whirlpool.
- The episode features insights from an etiquette expert and a mechanical engineering professor to explain the phenomenon.
- Promotional messages for the Brains On podcast and a call for donations are included.
- The tone of the episode shifts between humorous and educational.
- The vortex is caused by the faster-moving liquid in the center creating lower pressure, which sucks down the surface into a tornado shape.
- Stirring liquids is a common action, and understanding the underlying science behind the resulting vortex can be both interesting and practical.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Simply excuse yourself to an adjoining room, open a window, and point your derriere in the direction of said window. Hum loudly to distract your guests from any distasteful sounds...“ by Mister Prim
- “Where the velocity is faster, the pressure is lower. So what that does is has an effect of kind of sucking down the surface itself.“ by Jacy Bird
- “But please, I beg of you, in the name of all things prim and proper, stir your tea slowly.“ by Mister Prim
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Episode Information
Moment of Um
American Public Media
6/28/24
Have you ever tried stirring a liquid really fast with a spoon? Sometimes, it looks like it creates a tiny tornado in the cup! Why does that happen? We asked mechanical engineer Jacy Bird to help us find the answer.
Got a question that has your brain spinning? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll TEAm up to find the answer!