STEM High School Student

Andrew Howard

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The angular momentum which the spin imparts does keep the football going in the original compass direction. In itself it does not reduce the air resistance. (The bullet spinning example is very appropriate.)
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The angular momentum which the spin imparts does keep the football going in the original compass direction. In itself it does not reduce the air resistance. (The bullet spinning example is very appropriate.)

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There is a net benefit in reduced drag (air resistance) as the ball continues to present a smaller profile because of the spin. If the ball rotated on its longer axis during the throw it would present a larger area and &nbsp;this would result in more drag.
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There is a net benefit in reduced drag (air resistance) as the ball continues to present a smaller profile because of the spin. If the ball rotated on its longer axis during the throw it would present a larger area and  this would result in more drag.

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I would bet that there's an added effect of less turbulence when the ball flies in a consistent orientation. &nbsp;Less turbulence will usually result in less air drag.
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I would bet that there's an added effect of less turbulence when the ball flies in a consistent orientation.  Less turbulence will usually result in less air drag.

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Why does a football fly better with a good spiral?
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Why does a football fly better with a good spiral?

Football Dynamics

Sports

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