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The Aerodynamics of a Ball in Flight

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A smooth ball in flight is subjected to the force of drag equally on all sides of the sphere which leads to a path relatively undisturbed (assuming no wind) except by the downward force of gravity and by the slowing action of drag. The distance that it travels depends mostly on its initial velocity. When the drag is equally distributed no lift is create to change the path of the ball.

Lift can be created by putting a spin on the ball, this is called the magnus effect. The spin can be used with any axis direction and can therefore cause the ball to curve, raise, or dive. The magnus effect creates a lower airpressure on one side of the ball compared to the other. This is due to the different velocities of each side of the ball relative to the air.

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The magnus effect can be directly explained with Bernoulli's Principle. Bernoulli's Princle explains the effect of the pressure of fluids at increased velocities. When the velocity of a fluid (and air is a fluid) relative to the ball increases the pressure decreases.

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