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How to Build a Tornado in a Bottle Without an Adapter

Tornadoes are a natural weather phenomenon that have inspired people's curiosity because of their unpredictable nature and powerful force. The driving force of all tornadoes is the vortex, the rapid spinning flow of fluid or gas around a center. In this experiment, you can create your own tornado-like vortex. The only difference is that you will be working with fluid, not air. If you want to take the experiment one step further, try timing yourself and seeing if you can increase the time it takes for the vortex of fluid to move from one bottle to the next.

Things You'll Need

Two 1-2 liter soda bottles
Duct tape
Pitcher of water
Glitter, food coloring or confetti (optional)
Timer (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any outside labels from the plastic bottles so you can watch the tornado in action. Also remove the bottle lids.
- 2
  Fill one of the bottles three-quarters to the top with water. If you'd like, you can add a bit of food coloring, confetti or glitter to liven up the experiment and help you better visualize the vortex.
- 3
  Cut a 3-inch strip of duct tape, then tape the two bottles together where the spouts meet. The bottle filled with water should be on the bottom; make sure the tape is secure and tight.
- 4
  Place one hand on each bottle and flip the bottles so that the one filled with water is now on top.
- 5
  Swirl the bottles in a circular fashion, quickly picking up speed until you begin to see a vortex forming where the two bottles meet. Keep swirling until you see a tornado.

Nature