Flying Propeller

This demonstration shows rotational lift. Pulling the string on this propeller causes it to rotate about a vertical axis. This forces the air downward and thus the propeller upward. Bernoulli's Principle also applies in this situation as the air movement across the blades causes lower pressure above the blades and higher pressure below which generates lift.

Setup:

Place equipment on the lab table.

Place the propeller on the launcher. Quickly pull the string. The propeller flies upward then floats to the ground.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHY 10111

• PHY 10310

• PHY 10410

• PHY 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

• If all the propeller is doing is spinning, why does it move upward?

• Is the air moving downward in response?

• Is the air or the propeller experiencing a larger force?

Equipment Needed:

• Propeller

• Propeller Launcher (Pull String Device)