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Magnus effect
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== Description == The most readily observable case of the Magnus effect is when a spinning sphere (or cylinder) curves away from the arc it would follow if it were not spinning. It is often used by [[football]] ([[soccer]]) and [[volleyball]] players, [[baseball]] pitchers, and [[cricket]] bowlers. Consequently, the phenomenon is important in the study of the physics of many [[List of ball games|ball sports]]. It is also an important factor in the study of the effects of [[rotation|spinning]] on [[guided missile]]sβand has some engineering uses, for instance in the design of [[rotor ship]]s and [[Flettner airplane]]s. [[Topspin]] in ball games is defined as spin about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the direction of travel that moves the top surface of the ball in the direction of travel. Under the Magnus effect, topspin produces a downward swerve of a moving ball, greater than would be produced by gravity alone. [[Backspin]] produces an upwards force that prolongs the flight of a moving ball.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/golf.html|title=Why are Golf Balls Dimpled?|website=math.ucr.edu}}</ref> Likewise side-spin causes swerve to either side as seen during some baseball pitches, e.g. [[Slider (baseball)|slider]].<ref>[http://library.thinkquest.org/11902/physics/curve2.html The Curveball] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021224742/http://library.thinkquest.org/11902/physics/curve2.html |date=21 October 2012 }}, The Physics of Baseball.</ref> The overall behaviour is similar to that around an [[airfoil|aerofoil]] (see [[lift force]]), but with a [[Circulation (fluid dynamics)|circulation]] generated by mechanical rotation rather than shape of the foil.<ref>Clancy, L.J. (1975), ''Aerodynamics'', Section 4.6, Pitman Publishing</ref> In baseball, this effect is used to generate the downward motion of a curveball, in which the baseball is rotating forward (with 'topspin'). Participants in other sports played with a ball also take advantage of this effect.
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