fluid mechanics

introduction

movement of an object through the air is called projectile motion

movement in water is negatively impacted by drag

Movement on land is negatively impacted by air resistance

factors affecting air resistance and drag

frontal cross-sectionals area

velocity

surface characteristics

mass

streamlining and shape

the greater the velocity of an object the greater the air resistance and drag acting on an object

how much of a surface you present to the air

the smaller the frontal cross sectional area of the object the less effect air resistance will have on it

smooth shaped surface characteristics will be less negatively impacted on by air resistance and drag

if an object is relatively heavy, air resistance will have less of an effect than it would on a lighter object

creating a shape that allows air to travel effectively around the body and or object, negating the impact of resisting forces

Bernoulli's principle

states that air will travel faster over the top of the projectile and, therefore, create an area of lower pressure above the projectile. lift will then be applied to the projectile when air moves from the area of high pressure to the area of low pressure

aerofoil

angle of attack creates the aerofoil

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