Would the pointy end move through water faster or the rounded end?
2006-10-31 15:37:35 · 4 answers · asked by brett p 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
depends on the speed at low speed the rounded end pushes the water around it and the water closes in behind and pushes it forward. Sailboats have what they call the hull speed. It uses this phenomena. it is difficult to exceed this speed.
At higher speeds where the water will not close in fast enough, the pointed end may be the best. However if this is true, how come ships have a bulb nose below the water.
2006-10-31 15:52:18 · answer #1 · answered by jekin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rounded end. It's the leading end when it free falls through air without any forces other than gravity and air resistance acting on it - and the tear drop, as with all phenomenon, is looking for the path of least resistance.
2006-10-31 23:42:51 · answer #2 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The large end faces into the direction of flow. The small end minimizes turbulence which is the largest drag factor.
2006-10-31 23:41:59 · answer #3 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pointy end would as it would allow the water
to flow around it if it could flow through water.
2006-10-31 23:40:53 · answer #4 · answered by Neo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋