Meir Achuz said:It is the same as a curveball.
Friction is important. That is why pitchers try to scruff up the ball.
The air flow is slowed down on the top side.
The faster flow on the bottom side reduces that pressure by Bernie's theorem.
Also turbulence at the top increases the pressure there.
Since the ball is rotating in the direction of motion, the friction force on the top surface is much larger than on the bottom surface. But even without that effect, the friction causes the air to rotate around the ball.pixel01 said:I agree with you that friction is important. But the force caused by friction isn't up or down is it?.
The spin of a ball can significantly impact its trajectory. When a ball spins, it creates lift and drag forces that can cause it to deviate from its expected path. This is known as the Magnus effect, and it occurs due to differences in air pressure on opposite sides of the spinning ball. Depending on the direction and speed of the spin, the ball can curve, dip, or rise in flight.
Yes, the spin of a ball can be controlled by the angle and direction of the force applied to it. For example, a golf player can intentionally put backspin on the ball by striking it with a downward and backwards motion. In contrast, a tennis player can apply topspin by hitting the ball with an upward and forward motion. Different spins can be useful in different sports and can be practiced and perfected by athletes.
The spin of a ball can either increase or decrease its speed, depending on the direction of the spin. A backspin on a ball will create an upward force, which can cause it to slow down. On the other hand, topspin creates a downward force that can increase the speed of the ball. This is why tennis players often use topspin to hit powerful shots. Additionally, the spin can also affect the speed of the ball by influencing the amount of drag force acting on it.
Yes, the spin of a ball can change during its flight due to various factors such as air resistance, gravity, and collisions with other objects. As the ball moves through the air, it can lose or gain spin depending on its interactions with these forces. For instance, a golf ball can lose spin as it travels through the air, resulting in a shorter flight distance. In contrast, a baseball pitcher can intentionally put spin on the ball to make it curve or break in a certain direction.
The spin of a ball can be measured using specialized equipment such as high-speed cameras, radar systems, or spin rate sensors. These tools can capture and analyze the rotation of the ball and provide data on its spin rate, spin axis, and direction of spin. In sports, this information can be used to assess the performance of athletes and make adjustments to their technique. In scientific research, spin measurements can help understand the aerodynamics of different objects and improve their design.