Air Flow Dynamics

Purpose:

To demonstrate the action of air flow on different objects.

Equipment:

Styrofoam ball and thrower, ping-pong ball and funnel, plexiglass plates (one has a nozzle for air), cardboard cylinder with rubber band, rubber air hose about 3/8" in diameter.

Procedure:

1. Curve ball may be demonstrated by using the thrower and styrofoam ball. The ball curves in the direction of the leading edge spin.
2. Ping-pong ball may be supported on an air jet held vertical and also may be held in a funnel with an air jet.
3. The cardboard cylinder is wrapped with a long length of rubber band and pulled back. It is released in such a manner that it spins out from the bottom. If it is released with enough energy, it will describe a loop in the air.
4. The plexiglass plates can be held together with quite an impressive force by blowing air through the nozzle and bringing the plates together.