Final answer:
The key aerodynamic factors affecting a ball's flight are air pressure, friction, temperature, along with spin, speed, and shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
In answering the student's question about the aerodynamic factors that influence the flight of a ball, the most relevant factors are air pressure, friction, and temperature, as well as spin, speed, and shape. These forces interact with physical properties such as gravity, mass, and density to determine how the ball moves through the air. For instance, when a soccer player kicks a ball, gravity pulls it toward the ground, air resistance (or drag) slows its motion through the air, and the spin of the ball can cause it to curve due to the Magnus effect. The density and temperature of the air can also affect how much drag the ball encounters. Larger or more textured objects generally have greater air resistance. Moreover, the speed and angle of the ball upon being kicked will also impact its flight path and eventual distance traveled. If a ball does not have sufficient air pressure, officials may adjust this before a game to ensure it bounces correctly, which also highlights the importance of air pressure inside the ball.