TOPIC:

ID Code: F5-05
Purpose: Illustrate the Coanda effect.
Description: A ping pong ball is contained in an inverted funnel. Blowing into the small tube end of the funnel causes the ping pong ball to rise to the top (narrow end) of the funnel. According to the Coanda effect, the air flow follows the surface of the ball. The reaction force on the ball pushes it into the funnel. This demonstration is often said to be a result of the Bernoulli effect; this explanation is INCORRECT!

The correct explanation involves the Coanda effect. When the air stream flows past the ball, some of the air follows the contour of the ball and only leaves after it moves a significant distance along the surface of the ball, as illustrated in the drawing below. In effect, the ball is "pulling" the air around its surface. There must always be some reaction force on the ball, which points in the direction of the air stream and upward, holding the ball in the air.

Availability: Available