1. When we blow air through a funnel, a ping pong ball is lifted upwards, demonstrating a fundamental principle of physics known as the Bernoulli principle in fluid dynamics.
2. According to the Bernoulli principle, as the speed of a fluid (such as air) increases, its pressure decreases. In our experiment, blowing air through the funnel causes the air above the ping pong ball to accelerate, leading to a drop in pressure above the ball.
3. With the pressure above the ball reduced, a pressure gradient is formed between the top and bottom of the ball. This pressure difference exerts an upward force on the ball, causing it to be lifted or bounced upwards.
4. It's important to note that the ball is not being "sucked" up by the air; rather, it is being lifted by the force generated by the pressure difference. This force is a result of the varying air speeds creating a pressure gradient above and below the ball.
5. The difference in air speed creates a pressure gradient on the upper and lower surfaces of the ping pong ball. As per the Bernoulli principle, this pressure gradient produces an upward lift force that can suspend or elevate the ball.
6. Therefore, the phenomenon of the ping pong ball being lifted is explainable by principles of fluid dynamics. The change in airspeed affects the pressure above and below the ball, producing a force that lifts the ball upwards. This explanation should help in understanding the observed effect.
