Magical Holiday Moments The holiday season is a time filled with joy and wonder. It is a time when people come together to celebrate and create memories that will last a lifetime. Within this season, there are often moments that feel truly magical. One such magical holiday moment is when the first snowfall of the season occurs. The world becomes covered in a blanket of white, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. The feeling of stepping outside and seeing the world shimmering in snowflakes is truly enchanting.
I spent several weeks exploring different ways to get balls to float on a stream of air. The goal was to find ways to show Bernoulli's Principle and the Coanda Effect in action. Now, the Floating Balls demonstration is an important piece of my presentations at schools were I engage kids with "The Magic of Science". Let's first explore the demonstrations and then we will look at the science behind the "Magic Floating Balls"!
The Coanda Effect explains that a jet of fluid in our case a jet of air has a tendency to stay attached to a convex surface our ball is a convex object. However, this one is a one man operation and to do the method, you are able to do some interesting animations and levitations that are unique and different from what you may have seen.
The feeling of stepping outside and seeing the world shimmering in snowflakes is truly enchanting. It brings out a childlike excitement and reminds us of the beauty that can be found in nature. Another magical moment during the holidays is the act of decorating the Christmas tree.
Magic Floating Balls - Bernoulli's Principle and the Coanda Effect Explained
I spent several weeks exploring different ways to get balls to float on a stream of air. The goal was to find ways to show Bernoulli's Principle and the Coanda Effect in action. Now, the Floating Balls demonstration is an important piece of my presentations at schools were I engage kids with "The Magic of Science". Let's first explore the demonstrations and then we will look at the science behind the "Magic Floating Balls"!
How to Make Magic Floating Balls
- Balls: Inflatable Beach Ball, Ping Pong Balls, Nerf Balls, and more
- Blower: Leaf Blower, Hair Dryer, Air compressor
- Fog (optional): Fog Machine, Fog Juice
Note: Because this is a physics demonstration (see explanations below), you must understand that the force of the air moving upward must overcome the force of gravity pulling the ball downward - this means you will have to find a ball and a blower that are a good match.
Point the stream of air (leaf blower, hair dryer, etc) upward and gently place a ball into the stream of air. The ball should hover (as long as it is the right size and weight for the stream of air you are using). Then tilt the stream of air from side to side to model Bernoulli's Principle and the Coanda Effect.
Magic Floating Ping Pong Ball - Physics with BealsScience.comExplanation of the Magic Floating Balls Demonstration
This demonstration has a lot of simple and complex physics concepts. First we need to understand forces. The stream of air (we will call this our "jet") provides a force on the ball. The direction of the force depends on what direction the jet is facing. If we face the jet upwards, the force "pushes" the ball upward. Gravity is also acting upon the ball and it provides a force that pulls the ball downward (toward the earth). When these two opposing forces are equal, the ball hovers in the jet of air. But, why doesn't the ball just fall off to the side of the jet and then fall to the earth? Let's start with Bernoulli's Principle.
Modeling Bernoulli's Principle and the Coanda Effect - Beals ScienceWhat is Bernoulli's Principle?
Bernoulli's Principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid (in this case a jet of air) causes a decrease in the pressure of the air. And because air flows from areas of high pressure toward areas of low pressure, you end up with some interesting pressure dynamics around the ball.
Let's think about our spherical ball. As the air hits the ball, aerodynamics cause the air to move around the outside of the ball. As it does, the space where the air is moving right next to the ball is constricted (there is less space for it to move) This constriction on all sides forces the air to move at a different speed (it speeds up slightly) than the air around the ball that is not directly touching the ball. This increase of speed causes an area of low pressure all around the outside of the ball. This even pressure around the outside of the ball holds the ball in place - it 'holds' it in the jet of air. But, Bernoulli's Principle does not explain the whole story. In order to fully understand what is happening, we must understand the Coanda Effect. (More info)
What is the Coanda Effect?
The Coanda Effect explains that a jet of fluid (in our case a jet of air) has a tendency to stay attached to a convex surface (our ball is a convex object). This physics principle helps us understand why the ball stays in the jet of air. If you watch the video carefully you will see that the balls wobble in the jet. This is caused by a lot of external factors (wind, movement of the blower, momentum, etc). As the ball starts to move out of the jet, the Coanda Effect explains that the jet of air on all sides 'adheres' to the ball, thus pulling it back into the center of the jet.
The Coanda Effect is best modeled when the jet is held at an angle and the ball stays in the jet. The fast moving air "sticks" to the ball and holds it in place in the lower pressure zone of air! (More info)
As families gather together to hang ornaments and string lights, there is a sense of tradition and togetherness. The tree, adorned with twinkling lights and cherished ornaments, becomes the centerpiece of the home. It is a symbol of the holiday spirit and creates an atmosphere that is truly magical. One cannot speak of magical holiday moments without mentioning the joy of giving and receiving gifts. Watching loved ones open presents with anticipation and excitement brings a feeling of warmth and happiness. It is a moment that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season, as it is a time when we express our love and appreciation for one another through thoughtful gestures. The holiday season is also a time for delicious feasts and gatherings with friends and family. Sitting around a table filled with an abundance of food and laughter creates a sense of joy and unity. It is during these moments that memories are made and bonds are strengthened. Finally, the magic of the holiday season can also be found in the act of giving back to those in need. Whether it is volunteering at a local shelter or donating to a charitable cause, the act of helping others brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It reminds us of the true meaning of the holidays and the importance of spreading kindness and compassion. In conclusion, the holiday season is filled with magical moments that bring joy and wonderment. From the first snowfall to decorating the Christmas tree, from giving and receiving gifts to gathering with loved ones, these moments create memories that will last a lifetime. It is during this time that we can truly appreciate the magic and beauty of the holiday season..
Reviews for "Magical Holiday Traditions from Around the World: Inspiring Your Celebrations."
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Magical Holiday Moments" based on the hype and positive reviews it received. However, I found it to be extremely disappointing. The characters lacked depth and the plot was predictable. It felt like the author was trying too hard to create a magical holiday atmosphere, but it fell flat for me. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and let down by this book.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - "Magical Holiday Moments" was a complete waste of time. The writing was mediocre at best, and the story was incredibly boring. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found myself skimming through paragraphs just to get to the end. There was nothing magical or memorable about this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like "Magical Holiday Moments" as I enjoy reading holiday-themed books during this time of the year. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow, and the plot was lacking. The dialogue felt forced, and I couldn't connect with the characters or their stories. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't bring any holiday magic to my reading experience.
4. Mike - 3/5 stars - I had mixed feelings about "Magical Holiday Moments." While the concept was promising and the holiday setting was charming, the execution fell flat. The writing style was unremarkable, and the book didn't offer any surprises or twists. The characters were forgettable, and the plot felt cliché. It was an okay read, but not something I would recommend to others looking for a truly magical holiday story.