They don't fall where intended.
Let's take a look!
What type of experiment is this?
Experimental procedure and explanation:
- We submerge the marbles into the water.
- The object is dropped from directly above the intended target. However, it sways and does not fall on the target.
- When an object moves, it usually creates an irregular vortex behind it. This is called a separation vortex, which causes the object to sway due to the lateral force acting on it.
- The knuckleball in baseball or the " No-Spin Shot " in soccer are known as magic balls due to the same principle, and they change in unpredictable ways that even the players themselves cannot predict.
- This experimental video was produced with the support of JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research 18K03956.
[Keywords] | Separation vortex |
[Related items] | No-Spin Shot, Sinking a Japanese Penny Underwater |
[Reference] | Ryozo Ishiwata, "The Wonder of Flow," Kodansha Blue Backs, P174-179. Ryozo Ishiwata, "Illustrated Fluid Dynamics Trivia", Natsume Publishing, P96-97 and P198-199. |
Last Update:1.31.2025