Question

In terms of angular momentum, what is the advantage of giving a football or a rifle bullet a spin when throwing or releasing it?

Short answer

The spinning football or rifle bullet moves farther than the football or rifle bullet without spin due to less air resistance caused by gyroscopic angular momentum.

Step-by-step solution

Effect produced by the spinning of bullet or rifle

The rotation of a moving object produces an effect called the gyroscopic effect that causes torque and angular momentum along the movement of the object. This effect of gyroscopic torque and angular momentum reduces the effect of air resistance on the object so the object moves move distance compared to the distance covered without any spin.

Advantage of giving a spin to football or rifle bullet for releasing

The trajectory of a football or rifle bullet with spin is more straight due to gyroscopic angular momentum. The air resistance on football or rifle bullet also decreases so football or bullet covers more distance.