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B.2.1 Newton’s laws of motion

Forces in Flight

Syllabus Statements

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B.2.1 Newton’s laws of motion

Forces in Flight

Syllabus Statements

B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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B.2.1 Newton’s laws of motion

Forces in Flight

Prior Learning!

What are Newton’s 3 laws?

What are the 6 things that a force can do?

What are 4 factors that affect stability?

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B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

Forces in Flight

Syllabus Statements

When a projectile moves through the air, two main vertical forces act on it:

    • Weight (pulls it down due to gravity)
    • Air resistance (pushes against it, slowing it down)
    • The ratio of these forces determines how far, fast, and straight an object travels.

Key Idea:

    • High weight / low air resistance = more stable, longer flight
    • Low weight / high air resistance = slower, more affected by air

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B.2.1 Newton’s laws of motion

Forces in Flight

Syllabus Statements

Why does a shuttlecock fall almost vertically after rising?

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B.2.1 Newton’s laws of motion

Forces in Flight

Syllabus Statements

When air resistance is greater than the projectile’s weight, the object:

    • Slows down quickly
    • Loses horizontal distance
    • Drops suddenly
    • Becomes unstable in flight

Challenge: How can athletes use this to their advantage in sport?

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Practical Exploration

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

Heavy Ball

Light Ball

Measuring Tape

Protractor

Stopwatch

Challenge: Determine the characteristics that influence a projectile

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Projectiles

Forces in Flight

Syllabus Statements

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Projectiles

Forces in Flight

Do Now

What are we learning?

How do you throw an object further?

Challenge: Suggest factors that affect how far an object can be thrown

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What is a Projectile?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

A projectile is any object thrown or propelled into the air, influenced only by gravity and air resistance after release. The path of a projectile is called its trajectory

Challenge: Name 3 sports involving projectiles.

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What Shapes the Flight Path?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

HAAI

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What Shapes the Flight Path?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

The path of a projectile is called its trajectory. It’s shaped by:

    • Height of release
    • Angle of projection
    • Air resistance
    • Initial velocity

Challenge: Sketch the path of a javelin vs a basketball shot.

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How does height affect a projectile?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

Suggest whether it is better to have a team for of all tall players or a mixture of tall and short.

Challenge: Justify why

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How does release height affect a projectile?

Forces in Flight

A projectile’s flight path is primarily determined by the initial velocity and angle of projection.

If you release the object from above the target level, it travels further.

Higher release → longer flight → greater horizontal range.

Challenge: Why is the ideal angle often less than 45° in sport?

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How does the Perfect Angle affect a projectile?

Forces in Flight

A projectile’s flight path is primarily determined by the initial velocity and angle of projection.

The angle at which you release the projectile affects:

    • How high it goes
    • How far it travels
    • Best angle for max distance (no air resistance) = 45°

Challenge: Why is the ideal angle often less than 45° in sport?

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How does the Perfect Angle affect a projectile?

Forces in Flight

A projectile’s flight path is primarily determined by the initial velocity and angle of projection.

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How does the Perfect Angle affect a projectile?

Forces in Flight

A projectile’s flight path is primarily determined by the initial velocity and angle of projection.

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.1—The path of a projectile through air is determined by different factors and forces.

A projectile’s flight is affected by the balance between air resistance and its weight.

    • Heavy = less affected by air
    • Light = more drag, less stable

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How does Initial Velocity affect a projectile?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

Initial velocity is how fast the object is moving when it leaves the hand, foot, or tool.

    • Faster launch = more distance (if controlled).

Challenge: What could increase velocity in a soccer free kick?

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What does this look like in an exam?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

Explain why the optimal angle of release for a projectile is not always 45° (3 marks).

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What does this look like in an exam?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

Explain why the optimal angle of release for a projectile is not always 45° (3 marks).

    • The 45° rule assumes that release height and landing height are equal and that air resistance is negligible.
    • In most sports, the height of release is greater than the height of landing (e.g., a basketball shot or a javelin throw). Because the projectile starts higher, it requires less time in the air to reach the target — therefore, the optimal angle is less than 45°, typically around 38–42°.
    • Air resistance also reduces the horizontal distance more than the vertical distance, meaning a slightly lower angle gives better range and control.

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What does this look like in an exam?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

Using the example of a basketball free throw, explain the factors that influence the trajectory of the shot. (6 marks)

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What does this look like in an exam?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

    • Height of release:
    • A greater height of release increases the time the ball is in the air, allowing a flatter angle of projection to achieve the same distance;
    • If the release height is above the landing height (e.g., basketball), the optimal angle is less than 45°.
    • Angle of projection:
    • Determines the shape of the parabolic trajectory;
    • Higher angles produce higher, shorter trajectories; lower angles produce longer, flatter ones;
    • In basketball, approximately 38–42° gives optimal range and entry angle.
    • Initial velocity:

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What does this look like in an exam?

Forces in Flight

An object’s desired flight path is affected by the height of release relative to the target.

    • Determines the range and height of the projectile;
    • Greater velocity increases both horizontal distance and maximum height;
    • The vertical and horizontal components of velocity depend on the projection angle.
    • Air resistance:
    • Slightly decreases horizontal range and height;
    • Can alter spin and stability of the ball, particularly at higher speeds;
    • In basketball, the effect is small but present — backspin increases control and affects rebound behaviour.
    • Interaction of factors:
    • The trajectory is determined by the interaction between height, angle, velocity, and air resistance;
    • Optimal combinations depend on the sport and performer characteristics (e.g., release point, arm length).
    • Application to basketball:
    • Example: A taller player releases the ball from a higher point, allowing a lower projection angle while maintaining a successful parabolic path into the hoop;
    • Understanding these factors allows coaches to refine shot technique for greater consistency and accuracy.

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

    • Why might a javelin thrown in Brazil behave differently from one thrown in Switzerland?

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

The external environment can change the way an object moves.

Key conditions that affect motion:

    • Temperature
    • Humidity
    • Air pressure
    • Wind
    • Salinity (in water)
    • Altitude

Create 1 slide each for your 3 conditions below and it’s effect on projectiles

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

    • Warmer air is less dense → less air resistance → projectiles travel further.
    • High humidity = more water vapor in air → air becomes less dense.
    • → This helps objects fly further (e.g., baseball, discus).

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

    • Lower air pressure = less drag = longer flight (common at high altitudes).
    • Wind can help, hinder, or change direction of a projectile.
    • Examples:
    • Tailwind in sprinting = faster times.
    • Headwind in javelin = shorter throw.
    • Task:
    • In what sports do athletes use the wind to their advantage?

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

    • At high altitudes, air is thinner (less dense).
    • → Projectiles experience less drag → travel further and faster.
    • → But athletes may fatigue quicker (less oxygen).
    • Sport Example:
    • Golf balls and long throws travel further in Mexico City (high altitude).
    • Olympic records for sprinting and jumping have been set at altitude.
    • Challenge:
    • Should world records set at altitude count the same?

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What is the relationship between air resistance and weight?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.2—Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, salinity of water and altitude affect the external forces acting on an object.

    • Saline water (like oceans) is denser than fresh water.
    • → More buoyant force → body or object floats more.
    • → Swimmers sit higher = less drag = faster performance.
    • Example:
    • Swimmers may feel faster in the ocean than in a lake due to buoyancy.
    • Task:
    • How could water salinity affect rowing, water polo, or triathlon swimming?

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What Is Buoyancy?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

Buoyancy is the upward force that a fluid (air or water) applies to an object. It acts opposite to weight.

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What Is Buoyancy?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

An object floats if the buoyant force equals or exceeds its weight.

If not → it sinks.

If equal → it floats neutrally.

Buoyancy depends on:

    • Fluid density (saltwater is more dense than freshwater)
    • Volume displaced (the bigger the object, the more fluid it displaces) - the PUSH BACK!

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What Is Buoyancy?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Swimmers float better in saltwater (e.g., ocean triathlons)
    • Surfboards, kayaks, and boats are designed to maximize displacement and minimize drag

    • Athletes can alter buoyancy by:
    • Changing body position (streamlining)
    • Wearing buoyant suits
    • Adjusting lung volume (freediving)

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What Is Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Surface drag – friction between surface and fluid
    • Form drag – shape and size of object
    • Wave drag – created by waves (mainly in water)

Drag is the resistance force that opposes motion through a fluid (air or water).

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What Is Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Surface Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Smoother surfaces = less surface drag
    • Example: shaved swimmers, skin suits in cycling
    • Formula 1 cars have polished bodies to reduce this

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What Is Form Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Form Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Form Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Shape matters! Streamlined = less drag
    • Example: cyclists crouch low; ski jumpers flatten body
    • Wider objects catch more air/water = more drag

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What Is Wave Drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Happens when water waves form
    • More vertical movement = more waves = more resistance
    • Example: Competitive swimmers reduce this by swimming flat and streamlined

A paddle board or kayak – the faster you go, the more waves you make and the harder it becomes to keep speeding up.

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What can support againgst drag?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Tight clothing
    • Streamlined helmets
    • Low-profile body positions
    • Swim caps
    • Aerodynamic bikes/skis/paddles

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Evaluate the principle of drag in these series of images

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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Evaluate the principle of drag in these series of images

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • What two vertical forces act on a projectile as it travels through the air?
    • Why does a shuttlecock fall almost straight down after rising?
    • How does releasing a projectile from a higher point affect its range?
    • Why is the ideal angle of projection in sport usually less than 45°?
    • What factors shape the trajectory of a projectile?
    • How do temperature and humidity influence how far an object travels?
    • Why do projectile events at high altitude often produce longer distances?
    • What is buoyancy and what two variables determine it?
    • What is the difference between surface drag and form drag?

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Evaluate the principle of drag in these series of images

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Why does wave drag increase when a swimmer moves with more vertical movement?
    • Which of Newton’s Laws explains why passengers lurch forward when a car stops suddenly?
    • What is the difference between speed and velocity?
    • What two factors determine an object’s momentum?
    • Why does extending the time of impact reduce the force experienced during a collision?
    • What four factors determine an athlete’s stability?

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How do you get the same number of people through at the same rate?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

They need to move faster here

What are we learning today?

How does Bernoulli’s principle help planes fly?

Which is easier?

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

Think of it like people walking through a hallway:

    • Wide hallway → people move normally
    • Narrow hallway → people must move faster to get through at the same rate

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

Lift is the upward force that pushes an object up when it moves through a fluid (like air or water).

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

Angle of attack is the angle between the direction of the airflow and the chord line of an object (such as a javelin, discus, wing, or spinning ball).In simple terms:

➡️ It is how “tilted” an object is relative to the oncoming air.

➡️ Changing the angle of attack changes lift and drag.

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

Angle of attack is the angle between the direction of the airflow and the chord line of an object (such as a javelin, discus, wing, or spinning ball).

In simple terms:

It is how “tilted” an object is relative to the oncoming air.

Changing the angle of attack changes lift and drag.

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • The change in are movement causes particles to move at different speeds due to Venturi Effect
    • Pressure Differential creates lift.
    • Airfoil is the shape which produces a high lift/drag ratio
    • Symmetrical Bullet = no difference = =no lift
    • Moves towards Low Pressure

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Faster-moving air creates lower pressure.

If air moves faster over one side of an object → lift is created.

    • Aircraft wings (gliders)
    • Ski jumpers use body angle to generate lift
    • Discus and javelin use lift to stay in air longer

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What Is Down Force

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • The angle between the direction of motion and the object’s surface.
    • Correct angle → more lift
    • Too high → stall
    • Too low → no lift

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Faster-moving air = lower pressure
    • Slower-moving air = higher pressure
    • One side has low pressure, the other has higher pressure
    • The ball is pushed toward the low-pressure side
    • This causes the ball to curve in the air

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Curveball in baseball
    • Free kick in soccer
    • Topspin in tennis or table tennis
    • Spin serves in volleyball

    • Magnus Effect = spinning object curves due to pressure difference
    • Angle of Attack = tilt of object affecting lift/drag balance

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

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What is the magnus effect?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Pressure Differences are created by spinning the ball
    • Faster Moving Air = Lower Pressure
    • Lift or Down Force

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Summary

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • The path of a projectile in sport is shaped by:
    • Buoyancy (in water sports)
    • Lift (from body shape or spin)
    • Drag (always present in fluids)
    • Spin (Magnus effect)
    • Environmental factors (wind, air pressure

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How does equipment affect drag or lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Equipment that reduces drag or increases lift may create unfair advantages.
    • Examples:
    • Banned swim suits (Speedo LZR)
    • Aerodynamic helmets
    • Spin-enhancing golf balls

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What Is Lift?

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Choose a sport and explain how at least two forces (e.g., drag, lift, buoyancy) influence performance.
    • Bonus: Explain how technique or equipment adjusts those forces.

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Analyse a Movement

Forces in Flight

B.2.2.3—The forces of buoyancy, lift and drag acting on a body as it moves through a fluid (air or water) have a measurable effect on its path. A projectile travelling through a fluid may be affected by Bernoulli’s principle, the angle of attack and the Magnus effect.

    • Choose one skill (e.g., jump shot, sprint start, squat):
    • Break it into phases
    • Describe key movements
    • Identify 1 thing that could be improved for health, safety, or performance

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    • Movement analysis can identify areas for improvement applicable to:
    • Health (e.g., injury prevention, rehabilitation)
    • Accessibility (e.g., adapting technique or equipment for athletes with disabilities
    • Safety (e.g., reducing dangerous joint loading, correcting technique)
    • Sporting performance (e.g., optimising force production, increasing efficiency)

Why do we do movement analysis?

Forces in Flight