Fluid Dynamics - Drag - Quiz & Trivia

1. As the ball changes shape during flight, it is said to be ___________.

Round

Streamlined

Optimal

Longitudinal

When the ball changes shape during flight, it is said to be "streamlined." This means that the ball is designed in a way that reduces air resistance and allows it to move through the air more efficiently. A streamlined shape helps the ball maintain a steady and smooth trajectory, making it more aerodynamic. This is important in sports such as soccer or baseball, where the shape of the ball can greatly affect its speed and accuracy when thrown or kicked.

Explanation

When the ball changes shape during flight, it is said to be "streamlined." This means that the ball is designed in a way that reduces air resistance and allows it to move through the air more efficiently. A streamlined shape helps the ball maintain a steady and smooth trajectory, making it more aerodynamic. This is important in sports such as soccer or baseball, where the shape of the ball can greatly affect its speed and accuracy when thrown or kicked.

2. Wave drag occurs at the interface of _________ fluids

Three

Two

Water

Occurs when an object moves at the interface of two fluids i.e. air and water

Explanation

Occurs when an object moves at the interface of two fluids i.e. air and water

3. How can the effects of wave drag be reduced during ball flight?

Through the ball changing shape i.e. streamlined

Increasing the number of dimples on the ball

Avoid playing during wet conditions!

The streamlined effect of the ball is significant reducing the effects of wave drag

Explanation

The streamlined effect of the ball is significant reducing the effects of wave drag

4. Wave drag will effect________ of the golf ball

Velocity

Spin

Direction

All of the above

A golf ball in flight (air fluid) comes into contact with rain (water fluid)
This will effect the velocity, spin and direction of the ball

Explanation

A golf ball in flight (air fluid) comes into contact with rain (water fluid)
This will effect the velocity, spin and direction of the ball

5. By making the ball more streamlined during flight, it increases the amount of air that omes into contact with ball. This reduces the energy lost from the ball and allows the ball to continue in it's intended state of motion.

True

False

It reduces the amount of air that comes into contact with the ball, and therefore reduces the energy lost from the ball

Explanation

It reduces the amount of air that comes into contact with the ball, and therefore reduces the energy lost from the ball

6. The dimple design assists in creating________

Lift (through Magnus Effect)

A boundary layer

Forward momentum

Forward spin

The dimples create lift (through Magnus Effect) and create a BOUNDARY LAYER, which uses air at the front of the ball to deflect air molecules away

Explanation

The dimples create lift (through Magnus Effect) and create a BOUNDARY LAYER, which uses air at the front of the ball to deflect air molecules away

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7. Using your knowledge on fluid dynamics, identify how the impact of drag on a golf ball during flight can be reduced.

Altering the shape

Using the dimple design of the golf ball

Club selection

Changing the angle of attack during the swing

Drag, in particular form drag can be seriously reduced by changing the shape of the golf ball and using the dimple design of the ball.

Explanation

Drag, in particular form drag can be seriously reduced by changing the shape of the golf ball and using the dimple design of the ball.

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