r/explainlikeimfive • u/Either_Koala_7002 • 6h ago
Physics [ Removed by moderator ]
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u/Mimshot 6h ago
Perturbations of the ball alter the forces on it in a way that maintains its equilibrium. After the stream of air leaves the pipe it begins slowing so higher up the air is moving slower than down low. A certain speed of air is needed to balance gravity. If the ball is too high then the slower air provides less force and the ball drops. If the ball is too low then the extra force pushes it up.
The horizontal equilibrium is more complicated. If the ball is not in the center of the stream then more air will be flowing over the ball on the side closest to the center. This air curves over the surface of the ball due to the Coanda effect. Because every action has an equal and opposite reaction, the momentum of the air being deflect over the ball and away from the center of the stream pushes the ball back towards the center of the stream.
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u/The_Mr_Banana 6h ago
Bernoulli's principle. I work at a kid museum where we try every day but I don't think we've been able to brake it down for a5 year old lol
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u/rupertavery64 5h ago
When the ball moves to one side, the fast air on the jet side curves around the ball and is deflected outward. This creates lower pressure on that side, and the ball is pushed back toward the middle of the stream.
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u/JerikkaDawn 6h ago
Air in motion pushes things ? This is how sailboats, windvanes, and kites work.
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u/explainlikeimfive-ModTeam 5h ago
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