The Force Behind a Curve Ball: Spin and Projectiles

In summary, the professor mentioned that projectiles have a force on them due to their spin, as seen in a curve ball in baseball. The name of this force is commonly referred to as lift or a side force, and is also known as the Magnus effect. This effect is caused by the detachment of airflow and is an example of aerodynamic force, which follows Newton's laws of motion.
  • #1
pimpalicous
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The other day, my professor mentioned projectiles have a force on them due to their spin. The example he gave is how a baseball curves because of the spin of a curve ball. What's the name of this force?
 
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  • #2
Probably just best to call it lift.
 
  • #3
Magnus effect covers this in the general sense. It is not a name of a force though. Like Russ said, it probably is best to just call it lift or a side force depending on your frame of reference.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_effect
 
  • #4
Another description of Magnus Effect, based on detachment of air flow:

http://www.geocities.com/k_achutarao/MAGNUS/magnus.html

The force is an aerodynamic force. By definition, lift is the component of aerodynamic force perpendicular to the direction of travel (with air as the frame of reference), and drag is the component of aerodynamic force in the direction of travel. Regardless of the method used to create the aerodynamiic force, Newton's 3rd law applies, forces only exist in pairs. The aerodynamic force exerted by the air onto an object is coexistent with the object exerting an equal and opposite force to the air, and the air responds to the force exerted by the object according to Newton's 2nd law, force = mass times acceleration.
 
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  • #5
Magnus effect! That's what he called it. I thought he said magnus force but I may have misheard him. Thanks!
 

1. What is the force behind a curve ball?

The force behind a curve ball is a combination of spin and the Magnus effect. The spin on the ball creates a difference in air pressure on each side, causing the ball to move in a curved path.

2. How does spin affect the trajectory of a curve ball?

Spin causes the ball to experience a force known as the Magnus effect, which deflects the ball in the direction of the spin. This results in a curved trajectory instead of a straight path.

3. Can any type of projectile have a curve ball effect?

Yes, any object that is rotating as it moves through the air can experience the Magnus effect and have a curved trajectory. This includes baseballs, footballs, and even tennis balls.

4. What factors determine the amount of curve on a curve ball?

The amount of curve on a curve ball is determined by the speed of the ball, the spin rate, the direction of the spin, and the density of the air. A higher spin rate and greater speed will result in more curve, while denser air will decrease the curve.

5. Is there a specific technique for throwing a curve ball?

Yes, there are different techniques for throwing a curve ball, but all involve applying a spin to the ball with the fingers while releasing it. This can be achieved by using a two-finger grip, such as the "12-6" grip, or by snapping the wrist in a certain way while releasing the ball.

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