what is siphon

A siphon is a device that allows liquid to travel upward, above the surface of the origin reservoir, then downwards to a lower level without using a pump. It consists of a tube bent to form two legs of unequal length, which allows liquid to be transferred to a lower level over an edge of a vessel and delivered at a lower level. When a certain amount of liquid moves over the bend in the siphon, gravity pulls it down on the longer leg, lowering the atmospheric pressure in the bend of the siphon. The atmospheric pressure on the other side of the siphon becomes stronger and forces the rest of the liquid up and over the bend in the siphon. Siphons have been used for thousands of years, and their use can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were used in agriculture to transfer water from canals to irrigation channels. Today, siphons are still used in various applications, such as in toilets, winemaking, and irrigation.