Streamlining (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Leander Oates

Written by: Leander Oates

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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 Tips and Tricks

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.

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Leander Oates

Author: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

Caroline Carroll

Author: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.