Why can a Frisbee (or an aerobie) be thrown so much further than a ball?
Comment on the applicability of above for throwing a Frisbee or an aerobie on the Moon
There are really two key reasons Aerobie rings fly so far. First is their thin profile. Aerobie rings are only about 1/8 of an inch (3mm) thick so when thrown, they really slice through the air creating very little drag. A typical Frisbee is over an inch thick.
The second reason is the patented spoiler rim design keeps the center of aerodynamic lift at the center of an Aerobie ring throughout the different speeds of a typical throw.
A Frisbee or an aerobie can be thrown further than a ball due to two main factors: aerodynamics and rotational stability.
1. Aerodynamics: Frisbees and aerobies are designed with specific aerodynamic properties. They have a curved top surface and a flat bottom surface, which allows them to generate lift when they are thrown. This lift helps them stay in the air for a longer duration and travel further distances compared to a ball. The shape and design of these flying discs enable them to cut through the air more efficiently, reducing the drag and maximizing their flight distance.
2. Rotational stability: When you throw a Frisbee or an aerobie, the spinning motion it creates provides rotational stability. The rotational inertia keeps the disc stable in the air and prevents it from wobbling or tumbling uncontrollably. This stability allows for a more predictable flight path, enabling you to throw the disc with more accuracy and distance.
Now, let's consider the applicability of throwing a Frisbee or an aerobie on the Moon:
On the Moon, the conditions significantly differ from those on Earth. The Moon has a much lower gravity (approximately 1/6th of Earth's gravity) and a virtually no atmosphere. These factors would have a significant impact on throwing a Frisbee or an aerobie.
1. Lower gravity: Due to the lower gravity, the disc would experience less downward force. This means that you would need to adjust your throwing technique to compensate for the decreased gravitational pull. You would need to throw the disc with less force to account for the reduced gravity.
2. No atmosphere: Since the Moon lacks a substantial atmosphere, there would be no air resistance or drag acting upon the disc. As a result, the disc would not generate lift as it does on Earth. Without lift, the disc's flight distance would not be as long as it would be in Earth's atmosphere. Instead, it would travel in a more predictable parabolic trajectory.
In conclusion, while a Frisbee or an aerobie can be thrown further than a ball on Earth due to aerodynamics and rotational stability, the applicability of these factors to throwing a disc on the Moon would be different due to the Moon's lower gravity and lack of atmosphere.