Why can a spinning soccer ball bend in flight?
A ball can leave a foot headed one way and curve sideways as it travels. Spin changes the airflow around it and can create a sideways force, though the bend depends on more than spin alone.
Questions you could explore
- How does a sideways force change an initially straight path?
- What might make two spinning balls follow different trajectories?
Start reading
- NASA Glenn Research CenterBending a Soccer Ball
NASA introduces spin and aerodynamic side force using a soccer ball; its simplified model is not an exact prediction for every kick.
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