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Activity B: Slow Down!

This activity demonstrates how air flows around different-shaped objects and how the object's shape can influence the amount of drag. Objects that allow air to flow around them easily are said to be streamlined. The more streamlined an object is the less drag it will cause.


 Materials

 

2 manila folders, scissors, and transparent tape

 Procedure

 

Cut three strips 6 cm wide and 30 cm long from manila folders. Form and tape the strips into a circle, a square and a tear-drop. Make sure the bottom edges are smooth. Place shapes on table about 10 cm from the edge. Place mouth level with the table. Blow air toward each shape, one at a time from different directions.

Which shape was most easily pushed back?

Which shape has the least drag; the most drag? Why?

Which shape is the most streamlined?

How do you know?

 Extension

 

Is any other shape more streamlined than the teardrop?

How could you find out? Try it out!


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