How can drag be reduced?

Targets

At the end of this Unit you should be able to answer the following questions 

2. What forces are involved in flight?

2.1 How do flying devices and living things counteract gravity?

2.2 How does air movement across a surface result in lift?

2.3 How can drag be reduced?

2.4 What means of propulsion are used in aircraft?

targets

Gravity acts on an aircraft to prevent it from moving upwards. Lift is the upward force that counteracts gravity. A different force acts in the opposite direction from the one that the object is moving. That force is called drag.

Air resistance produces the same kind of drag against objects flying through the air. Reducing drag makes it easier for flying objects to move through the air.

  Sport Connection

When pitchers throw a curve ball, they spin the ball as they throw. This causes the air to move faster along the bottom of the ball and produces a region of lower pressure. The higher air pressure on top pushes on the ball to cause the path of the ball to "curve" down.