“The Physics Ball Sports”

All ball sports are governed by the physics associated with aerodynamics and fluid flow. Here, we shall investigate Bernoulli's theorem and the Magnus effect, and then apply them to four sports- baseball, golf, football and cricket. We find that aerodynamics has a huge role in defining all of these sports. All of them see curvature of the path of the ball whilst in flight. This is due to the Magnus effect, and to the boundary layer surrounding the ball. We find that dimples on a golf ball help to increase distance, whilst the seam on a cricket ball can enhance swing. We also see the effect of sidespin on the ball, with spin bowling in cricket, and the curveball in baseball, which curves around 18 inches in flight. We also find that atmospheric conditions play a huge role in the distance of flight of a batted baseball, by increasing or reducing the air resistance, or drag, experienced by the ball. This essay is intended as an introduction to some of the basic physics which we can see in some of the world’s most popular sports. If you have any comments, please email me