Lift is a component of dynamic fluid force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion. Lift can act upwards or downwards.

How does an aerofoil shape create upward lift?

Air flows faster over the curved upper surface than beneath the flatter lower surface. The lower pressure above creates a net upward force.

How does a discus thrower use the Bernoulli principle?

The discus is released tilted at an angle of attack so air flows faster over its upper surface. The lower pressure above creates upward lift, keeping the discus airborne for longer.

What is the angle of attack?

The angle of attack is the angle of a projectile, such as a discus, relative to the direction of the airflow.

Why does too large an angle of attack reduce the distance a discus travels?

Beyond an optimum angle, the airflow breaks away from the upper surface and lift is lost. Drag rises sharply, so the discus stalls and falls.

AQA A-Level Physical Education 7582

The Cardiovascular System

Topic overview Heart health, fitness and cardiac output The cardiac conduction system and heart rate control Receptors, vascular shunting and blood redistribution Oxygen transport, the Bohr shift and the a-VO₂ difference Venous return, Starling's law and cardiovascular drift

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Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics

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Concepts of Physical Activity and Sport

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Ethics and Violence in Sport

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Sport, the Law and Commercialisation

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Technology in Sport

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Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics

Lift and the Bernoulli principle

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

Lift and the Bernoulli principle, the aerofoil and angle of attack for the discus, and downward lift for racing cars, speed skiers, track cyclists and ski jumpers.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

How does downward lift help a racing car corner, what does it cost, and how does a speed skier create it?

Key term

Define lift.

Key term

State the Bernoulli principle.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define lift.
Model answer
Lift is a component of dynamic fluid force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion. Lift can act upwards or downwards.
2
State the Bernoulli principle.
Model answer
The Bernoulli principle states that a faster-moving fluid exerts lower pressure. Slower-moving fluid exerts higher pressure.
3
How does an aerofoil shape create upward lift?
Model answer
Air flows faster over the curved upper surface than beneath the flatter lower surface. The lower pressure above creates a net upward force.
4
How does a discus thrower use the Bernoulli principle?
Model answer
The discus is released tilted at an angle of attack so air flows faster over its upper surface. The lower pressure above creates upward lift, keeping the discus airborne for longer.
5
What is the angle of attack?
Model answer
The angle of attack is the angle of a projectile, such as a discus, relative to the direction of the airflow.
6
Why does too large an angle of attack reduce the distance a discus travels?
Model answer
Beyond an optimum angle, the airflow breaks away from the upper surface and lift is lost. Drag rises sharply, so the discus stalls and falls.

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