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Summary
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For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.
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Abstract
If you have an air hockey table, you know that the puck floats on a thin cushion of air when the table is turned on. With little friction, the puck can travel very fast. How much lift force is created by the air? Add small amounts of weight to the puck and see when it no longer floats to measure the lift force. How many air holes (on average) support the puck? How much force is generated by each air hole? Will a puck with a larger surface area, supported by more air holes (on average), support more weight in proportion to its area? (Remember to include the weight of the puck in the measurement.) Make your own test shapes by cutting thin cardboard or polystyrene sheet (from a hobby shop, or use old CD cases). Is lift generated if the puck has a rough surface? Tape sandpaper on one side of the puck, test, then flip it over as a control. What about other surfaces (different types of cloth, for example)?
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Do you have specific questions about your science project? Our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.
Global Connections
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This project explores topics key to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
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Cite This Page
General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.MLA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
"Aerodynamics of Air Hockey." Science Buddies,
20 Nov. 2020,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p024/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/aerodynamics-of-air-hockey?class=AQVaTMWLiD8p0OC6LcZ0thPERs7zrfKwFDoJvu9QmdYaCcX6fvu6T7BrtCzLGGxGh-Fk2lXE6Mfbh2JAD0wZYCQj.
Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2020, November 20).
Aerodynamics of Air Hockey.
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p024/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/aerodynamics-of-air-hockey?class=AQVaTMWLiD8p0OC6LcZ0thPERs7zrfKwFDoJvu9QmdYaCcX6fvu6T7BrtCzLGGxGh-Fk2lXE6Mfbh2JAD0wZYCQj
Last edit date: 2020-11-20
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