F5-32: CURVE BALL

ID Code: F5-32
Purpose: Demonstrate a curve ball as an example of the Magnus effect
Description: Throwing the ball with the appropriate spin will cause it to curve like a baseball pitch, or even to rise. The path of the ball will deviate in the direction the leading edge is rotating - that is, in the opposite direction of the shedding vortices. It will actually curve UP if you let it roll off the end of your fingers when you throw it.

Note: There is a certain amount of controversy regarding many of the demonstrations generally classified under the title of "Bernoulli effect." This phenomenon, among others, is due to the shedding of vortices as the ball rotates through the air, and is therefore a demonstration of the Magnus effect.

Availability: Available