Streamlining (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Streamlining

  • The maximum velocity that an object travelling through a fluid can reach is its terminal velocity

  • Terminal velocity is reached when the forward driving force (thrust) is equal to the drag forces

  • Streamlining reduces the drag forces acting on an object, therefore increasing the maximum (terminal) velocity

Air resistance on a truck and a car

A truck with a large surface area and a car with a smaller surface area for IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
Large surface areas experience greater air resistance, so smaller rounded surfaces reduce the drag force
  • In general, elongated, rounded shapes allow an object to pass through a fluid with minimal drag

  • Racing cars are designed with streamlining features

Air passing over a racing car

Racing car with labelled streamlining features for IGCSE & GCSE Physics Revision notes
Racing cars are designed with streamlining features to increase the terminal speed of the car
  • Splitter

    • Directs the airflow on top of the car with minimal drag

  • Drive planes

    • Direct the airflow on top and around the sides of the car with minimal drag

  • Side vents

    • Redirect air from the wheel wells to reduce turbulence

  • Side skirts

    • Direct airflow along the sides of the car with minimal drag

  • Wing & Spoiler

    • Directs airflow upwards to create a downward force on the car to increase stability

  • Sharks have evolved to have streamlined adaptations

    • Sharks who can swim at faster speeds are better hunters

    • The most successful hunters are more likely to live long enough to reproduce and pass those adaptations on to their offspring

Adaptations of a shark

Shark with labelled adaptations for IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
Sharks have evolved adaptations that reduce drag because faster swimmers make better hunters
  • Elongated, rounded body

    • Directs water flow around the body with minimal drag

  • Pointed nose

    • Cuts through the water directing water flow around the body with minimal drag

  • Smooth skin

    • Reduces friction of the water molecules on the skin

Examiner Tip

While you do not need to memorise these features, you may be given a design feature or adaptation in an exam and you must be able to explain how it increases terminal velocity.

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