Why does a cricket ball swing more in overcast conditions?
SampaioX asked:
I’ve read a few articles on the physics of swing in terms of creating a pressure differential on either side of the ball by causing turbulent airflow on one side using the seam or shining the ball etc…
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I’ve read a few articles on the physics of swing in terms of creating a pressure differential on either side of the ball by causing turbulent airflow on one side using the seam or shining the ball etc…
What I don’t understand is why the ball starts swings more on a cloudy English day than on a sunny one.
Jackson
January 30th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Carlos
on sunny days the air is slim and on cloudy days air is thick.
To creat swings we need air passsing throungh smooth side faster and slower on rough side.
thick air = more friction and therfore more swing!! simple
February 1st, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Blake
Yes
The reason being that normally overcast days have a higher humidity. This increased humidity accentuates the air resistance against the rougher side of the ball thus allowing you to get better swing. You can swing the ball on sunny days but you have to have very good technique and keep the seam in the optimal position and angle through the air.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Aubrey
Overcast days the air is cooler and the air molecules and packed closely together, also to some degree the moisture in the air contributes. The ball needs friction to move either-way… thicker the air=more swing
Sunny days: the air is more mobile and warmer and due to sunlight, the molecules are not as packed as they would be in cloudy conditions, so lighter the air=less swing