Complex fluid dynamics principles are involved in accurately modeling the forces acting on a sinking hockey puck.
When a hockey puck sinks through water, several forces act on it, influencing its motion. The main forces involved are:
Gravity (Weight):
The force of gravity acts vertically downward, pulling the puck toward the center of the Earth.
The gravitational force can be calculated using the formula:
gravity =m⋅g,
where
m is the mass of the puck and
g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Buoyancy:
As the puck moves through water, it displaces water, creating an upward buoyant force.
The buoyant force opposes the force of gravity and can be calculated using Archimedes' principle:
F buoyancy =ρ⋅V⋅g,
where
ρ is the density of water,
V is the volume of water displaced by the puck, and
g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Drag (Fluid Resistance):
As the puck moves through water, it experiences drag, a resistive force opposing its motion.
Drag force depends on factors like the puck's speed, shape, and the viscosity of water.
where
C d is the drag coefficient,
ρ is the density of water,
A is the cross-sectional area of the puck, and
v is its velocity.
Net Force:
The net force acting on the puck is the vector sum of the gravitational, buoyant, and drag forces.
If the net force is downward, the puck accelerates downward; if it's upward, the puck decelerates or rises.