Bernoulli’s Toilet Paper

This demonstration shows how Bernoulli’s principle can lift and propel toilet paper. Blowing across the top of a roll lifts it slightly, while using a leaf blower creates a strong stream of fast-moving air that launches the toilet paper high into the air.

1. Hold a toilet paper roll horizontally on a stick.
2. Blow steadily across the top of the roll. Observe how the paper lifts slightly.
3. Repeat the experiment using a leaf blower directed across the top of the roll.
4. Watch as the toilet paper unrolls and flies upward, high enough to resemble toilet papering a tree.

Bernoulli's Principle Demonstration: Toilet Paper - SDPB:

Leaf Blower Toilet Paper Fun! Bernoulli's Principle | Mister C TV - learningscienceisfun:

📄 Physics Force - University of Minnesota: https://physicsforce.umn.edu/content/toilet-paper-tree-0

• Try using different air sources (hair dryer, fan, compressed air) to compare effects.
• Test with lighter or heavier paper products (tissue paper vs. paper towels).

• Keep a safe distance when using a leaf blower.
• Do not aim the blower at people or fragile objects.
• Pick up toilet paper afterward to avoid littering or creating slipping hazards.
• Use protective eyewear if working close to high-speed air streams.

• Why does blowing across the paper cause it to rise? (The faster-moving air above reduces pressure, so higher pressure below pushes the paper up.)
• Why is the leaf blower more effective than just blowing with your mouth? (It produces a much faster airflow, creating a stronger pressure difference.)
• How does this relate to airplane wings? (Air travels faster over the curved top surface of a wing, lowering pressure and creating lift.)
• Can Bernoulli’s principle alone explain all lift? (Not entirely—other factors like circulation and angle of attack also play roles in real aerodynamics.)