Why do golf balls have dimples?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do golf balls have dimples?

The Big Idea

Golf balls are covered in little dents! Why not make them smooth? Dimples help them fly!

Smooth Balls

Step one: Smooth Balls. A smooth ball leaves a big messy wake of swirling air behind it. That wake drags on the ball and slows it.

Dimples

Step two: Dimples. Dimples stir the air close to the surface so it clings to the ball longer. That makes the wake smaller and cuts drag.

Twice as Far

Step three: Twice as Far. Dimples also help the spinning ball lift. A dimpled golf ball can travel about twice as far as a smooth one.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Smooth drags more. Dimples cut drag. Wakes slow balls. Lift helps flight.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Golf balls usually have between 300 and 500 dimples. Twice as far. Air clings longer. Smaller wake, less drag.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Go outdoors, away from windows. Toss a smooth plastic ball. Toss a wiffle ball with holes the same way. Mark where each lands. Which flies farther?

Outro

Golf balls have dimples because they stir the air so it clings to the ball longer, making a smaller wake and less drag. Dimples also help with lift, so a dimpled ball flies about twice as far as a smooth one. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!