Is the Magnus Force Equation Related to the Drag Coefficient?

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SUMMARY

The Magnus Force Equation, defined as Fm = S(w x v), utilizes the air resistance coefficient (S) to calculate the force acting on a spinning object. The drag coefficient (Cd), expressed as Cd = (2Fd)/[(p)(v^2)(A)], cannot be substituted for S due to differing units and definitions. The discussion clarifies that while both coefficients relate to forces acting on objects in motion, they serve distinct purposes in fluid dynamics.

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Chemical Bros
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Hey everyone,

I was researching the magnus force and came upon the equation being:

Fm= S(w x v)

where S is the air resistance coefficient and (w x v) is the cross product of the angular velocity and the velocity of the object.

Well my question is that if the drag coefficient is:

Cd= (2Fd)/[(p)(v^2)(A)]

then couldn't you just sub in Cd for S? I'm assuming they are the same thing...Thanks
 
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Can't be the same, since for one thing they don't have the same units.
 

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