A Demonstration of How to Curve a Ball Backwards Using Science

Physics Girl host Dianna Cowern demonstrated how to curve a ball backwards using science in a recent video about the Magnus effect. Cowern used a soccer ball and a smooth ball of similar size to show how the effect can make a ball kicked the same way curve in different directions. The difference comes down to a question of fluid dynamics and the way air interacts around the surface of each ball.

To explain the fluid dynamics, Cowern enlisted the help of aerospace engineer Nicole Sharp from Fuck Yeah Fluid Dynamics. Cowern and Sharp also collaborated on a video to explain how fluid dynamics saved the space shuttle.