The Golf Ball Lift
WHY? question_guy
From the Bernoulli Principle, when the velocity increases the pressure decreases. Therefore, the pressure on the upper surface is less than the pressure on the lower surface of the ball. This pressure differential results in a finite lift being applied to the ball. The dimples also help in the generation of lift. By keeping the flow attached, the dimples help promote an asymmetry of the flow in the wake.
ASSESSMENT: Can the student communicate what they observed?

question_guy
four Student is able to communicate how a golf ball 'flies' through the air, commenting on Bernoulli's Principle, the affects of the gravitational forces on the ball, and why the dimples help the ball in its flight.

three Student is able to communicate most of the reasons of how a golf ball 'flies' through the air, commenting on Bernoulli's Principle, the affects of the gravitational forces on the ball, and why the dimples help the ball in its flight.

two Student is able to communicate some of the reasons of how a golf ball 'flies' through the air, commenting on Bernoulli's Principle, the affects of the gravitational forces on the ball, and why the dimples help the ball in its flight.

one Student is able to communicate some of the reasons of how a golf ball 'flies' through the air, commenting on Bernoulli's Principle, the affects of the gravitational forces on the ball, and why the dimples help the ball in its flight.


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Last modified: Tue Aug 26 14:52:40 PDT 1997

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