What variables affect a bottle flip?
John Kim
Published Apr 18, 2026
Furthermore, is the independent variable on top or bottom?
Scientists like to say that the "independent" variable goes on the x-axis (the bottom, horizontal one) and the "dependent" variable goes on the y-axis (the left side, vertical one).
Subsequently, question is, can you bottle flip an empty bottle? It was very difficult (maybe almost impossible) to successfully flip either an empty or completely full bottle. The empty bottle's angular velocity, therefore, stays the same as it flies through the air just like a spinning coin.
Similarly one may ask, what is the secret to bottle flipping?
Hold the bottle from its neck-and-cap area. Apply force and give it a little flick with the bottom of the bottle out and rotating away from you. Give it enough arc so that as the rotation is being completed, the water slushes back to the bottom, allowing the bottle to fall straight down. That's how you bottle flip.
What is the best bottle for bottle flipping?
In practical terms, the team found that the best flipping bottle is one between 20 and 41 percent full. According to the study, landing a full bottle is almost impossible because the rotational speed of the bottle doesn't change.