Science is not just about books; it’s all around us. One of the most fascinating principles in physics is the Bernoulli Principle. It’s something we see every day, but rarely notice. From flying airplanes to blowing on paper strips, Bernoulli’s magic is everywhere.
Let’s understand- what is Bernoulli principle, how it works, and how students can explore such interesting STEM concepts in Atal Tinkering Labs and through the ATALUP app.
What is Bernoulli Principle?
The Bernoulli Principle explains how the pressure of a fluid (like air or water) changes with its speed. It says:
“As the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases.”
This principle was introduced by Daniel Bernoulli, a Swiss scientist, in the 1700s. It helps us understand how birds fly, why roofs fly off during storms, or even how perfume sprays work.
Bernoulli Principle Formula
The Bernoulli principle formula is:
P + ½ρv² + ρgh = constant
Where:
P = pressure
ρ = density of the fluid
v = velocity (speed) of the fluid
g = acceleration due to gravity
h = height above reference point
This formula comes from the Bernoulli Principle derivation using the law of conservation of energy, total energy in a moving fluid stays the same. That’s how scientists calculate pressure changes in flowing fluids.
10 Real-Life Examples of the Bernoulli Principle
1. Airplane Wings – How Do Planes Fly?
The wings of an airplane are designed in a curved shape at the top and flat at the bottom. When the plane moves forward, air flows faster over the curved top and slower under the flat bottom. According to the Bernoulli Principle, fast-moving air means low pressure. So, the pressure on top is less, and the pressure below is more. This difference creates an upward force called lift, which helps the plane fly.
2. Shower Curtain Pulls Inward – The Everyday Mystery
When you take a hot water shower, steam starts forming and moves quickly across the space between your body and the shower curtain. This fast-moving air reduces the pressure there. But the air pressure on the other side of the curtain remains higher. Due to this pressure difference, the curtain moves inward and sticks to you, all thanks to Bernoulli.
3. Perfume Spray – How Does It Work?
When you press the top of a perfume spray bottle, air starts moving quickly over a narrow pipe inside. The pressure in that pipe drops. Due to this low pressure, the liquid perfume is pulled up through the tube and sprayed out as a fine mist. This is a common application of the Bernoulli Principle formula in our daily life.
4. Ping Pong Ball in Hair Dryer – Floating in Air
Turn on a hair dryer and place a ping pong ball above its airflow. The fast air going around the ball creates low pressure. Meanwhile, the surrounding air is at higher pressure. This balance keeps the ball floating in the air stream. Even if it wobbles, it doesn’t fall. This is Bernoulli in action, keeping the ball steady without touching it.
5. Fast-Moving Trucks – Why Do They Seem to Pull In?
If you’ve ever been in a car when two big trucks pass each other at high speed, you might’ve noticed a sudden pulling effect. That’s because the air between the trucks moves very fast, creating low pressure. The air pressure on the outside of each truck is higher, which pushes the trucks slightly toward each other. It’s a real-world example of how pressure differences can cause motion.
6. Curving Football or Cricket Ball – The Science Behind the Swing
When a footballer kicks the ball with a spin or a bowler delivers a swing ball, the air moves faster on one side of the ball and slower on the other. The side with fast-moving air has less pressure. The ball then bends or swings toward the low-pressure side. This is how players create curved shots in football or swing in cricket, using the Bernoulli effect!
7. Tornadoes Uplifting Roofs – Dangerous but Scientific
During a tornado or cyclone, wind moves very fast over rooftops. The faster the wind, the lower the air pressure above the roof. But inside the house, the air pressure is higher. This pressure difference can lift the roof or even blow it away. Builders now consider Bernoulli’s principle to design better roofs in storm-prone areas.
8. Blowing Between Balloons – Simple Yet Surprising
Hang two balloons a few inches apart and blow air in between them. Instead of moving away, they come closer! Why? The air you blow between them moves fast, which reduces pressure there. The higher air pressure on the outer sides of the balloons pushes them inward, another fun demonstration of the Bernoulli Principle.
9. Paper Strip Rises – A Classic School Activity
Hold a small strip of paper near your mouth and blow air across the top of it. The paper rises. Why? The fast air above the paper reduces the pressure there. The pressure under the paper is higher, so it pushes the paper upward. This simple activity helps students understand the core concept of pressure differences.
10. Carburetor in Bikes – Fuel and Air Mixing
In old bikes and scooters, the carburetor mixes fuel and air before sending it into the engine. When air moves fast through a narrow part of the carburetor, pressure drops. This suction effect pulls petrol into the airflow. It then gets mixed and goes into the engine for combustion. Even this fuel system uses the Bernoulli Principle, quietly but powerfully.
How Students Can Explore the Bernoulli Principle in Atal Tinkering Labs
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are special science labs set up in schools across India. These labs give students tools, kits, and a space to experiment and explore. Students can:
- Try paper-based experiments like blowing on strips or balloons
- Build mini wind tunnels to test airplane wings
- Use low-cost setups to see the pressure change in flowing water
It’s not about expensive equipment. It’s about understanding the science behind things we see every day, like the Bernoulli Principle.
ATALUP – Bringing STEM to Every School and Home
For every school that is looking for assistance in Atal Tinkering Labs, ATALUP is here.
What is ATALUP?
ATALUP is a support system for schools that want to apply for and manage Atal Tinkering Labs. It helps schools with:
- Step-by-step ATL grant application
- Setting up ATL labs properly
- Structured usage and performance tracking
ATALUP App – Learn STEM with Home Items
ATALUP also offers a free 21-day STEM Challenge through its mobile app. Students can:
- Learn new STEM concepts every day
- Do easy experiments using items like paper, bottles, water, etc.
- Perform activities like flying paper, air pressure games, and more
Over 10,500+ downloads in just 1 month show how quickly students are loving this hands-on way of learning.
Download the app now
Android: Play Store and iPhone: Apple Store
Final Thoughts
Understanding concepts like the Bernoulli Principle doesn’t need high-tech labs or difficult math. All it needs is curiosity and the right guidance, which ATAL Tinkering Labs and ATALUP provide.
Want your students to become young scientists and innovators? Explore ATL with ATALUP today.