Concept explainers
Why does a spinning ball curve in flight?
To explain: The reason for the curve of a spinning ball in flight.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
The basic principle behind the curved path taken by a spinning ball is Bernoulli’s Principle which suggests an inverse relationship between fluid velocity and pressure. Here, the fluid considered is air and can be assumed to be ideal.
When a ball is moving forward and is spinning, this results in air molecules on the bottom of the ball to have a low velocity and hence high pressure. Likewise, it creates a low pressure and high velocity in the upper part. Thus there is an effective pressure difference between the top and bottom of the ball and this creates an upward force which causes the ball to take a curved path than a straight one. This can be shown in the figure below. The upward arrow shows the buoyant force and the curved path shows the motion of the spinning ball.
Chapter 20 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
Physics (5th Edition)
Conceptual Physical Science (6th Edition)
Conceptual Integrated Science
Essential University Physics: Volume 2 (3rd Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON