Drag is the force that opposes the motion of a body through a fluid. Drag acts in the opposite direction to the body's motion.

Explain how velocity affects drag.

Drag increases as velocity increases, roughly quadrupling when velocity doubles. Drag matters most in fast events such as track cycling and downhill skiing.

Explain how frontal cross-sectional area affects drag.

A larger frontal cross-sectional area increases drag. A cyclist crouched low over the handlebars presents a smaller area than one sitting upright.

How do streamlining and shape affect drag?

A streamlined, aerofoil-like shape lets fluid flow smoothly around the body, reducing drag. A teardrop-shaped cycling helmet is designed this way.

How do surface characteristics affect drag?

A smooth surface reduces drag by limiting friction between the fluid and the body. Downhill skiers wear smooth, tight-fitting suits for this reason.

AQA A-Level Physical Education 7582

The Cardiovascular System

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Technology in Sport

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Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics

Drag and dynamic fluid force

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

Dynamic fluid force, drag and the effect of velocity, frontal cross-sectional area, streamlining and surface, and how cyclists, swimmers and golf balls reduce drag.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is drag, and how does velocity affect it?

Key term

Define dynamic fluid force.

Key term

Define drag.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define dynamic fluid force.
Model answer
Dynamic fluid force acts on a body moving through a fluid such as air or water. Dynamic fluid force has two components, drag and lift.
2
Define drag.
Model answer
Drag is the force that opposes the motion of a body through a fluid. Drag acts in the opposite direction to the body's motion.
3
Explain how velocity affects drag.
Model answer
Drag increases as velocity increases, roughly quadrupling when velocity doubles. Drag matters most in fast events such as track cycling and downhill skiing.
4
Explain how frontal cross-sectional area affects drag.
Model answer
A larger frontal cross-sectional area increases drag. A cyclist crouched low over the handlebars presents a smaller area than one sitting upright.
5
How do streamlining and shape affect drag?
Model answer
A streamlined, aerofoil-like shape lets fluid flow smoothly around the body, reducing drag. A teardrop-shaped cycling helmet is designed this way.
6
How do surface characteristics affect drag?
Model answer
A smooth surface reduces drag by limiting friction between the fluid and the body. Downhill skiers wear smooth, tight-fitting suits for this reason.

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