How Do You Measure and Understand Spin in Table Tennis?

[Confuzzled]

Hello, I’ve become a keen table tennis player, of which i study physics at A-level, and was hoping to the physics on table tennis, as i have been taught little relevant research on the subject. Of which iv decided to do some research of my own into the subject.
I have found lots of information on the physics of table tennis but cannot find any relevant information on spin. I want to know how to measure the spin of a table tennis ball? and what it is measured in? I assume it would be revs or torque?
Regards

EDIT: Also what is related to this question i have brought up, the bernoulli principle? or the magnus effect or both? As i was doing my research got the picture that it was the bernoulli principle, but i then brought this up with my physics teacher who said to go and research the magnus effect? If any could clarify for me as both laws seem the same? what is the difference
Regards

 

[LURCH]

EDIT: Also what is related to this question i have brought up, the bernoulli principle? or the magnus effect or both? As i was doing my research got the picture that it was the bernoulli principle, but i then brought this up with my physics teacher who said to go and research the magnus effect? If any could clarify for me as both laws seem the same? what is the difference
Regards

Both. You see, the magnus effect sets up a boundary layer of rotating air around the ball. This boundary layer then interacts with air outside the boundary layer, in a manner which creates a pressure differential as per the Bernoulli effect.

 

[sir-pinski]

Dear table tennis player and physics student,

It's great to hear that you have become a keen table tennis player and are incorporating your knowledge of physics into your game! Table tennis is a sport that involves a lot of physics principles, especially when it comes to spin.

To measure the spin of a table tennis ball, you can use a device called a spinometer. This device attaches to the racket and measures the amount of spin on the ball in revolutions per minute (RPM). Alternatively, you can also use a high-speed camera to track the rotation of the ball and calculate the spin.

The spin of a table tennis ball is measured in RPM, which is a unit of angular velocity. This measures the rate of rotation of the ball around its axis. Torque, on the other hand, measures the force that causes an object to rotate. In table tennis, the spin of the ball is caused by both the Bernoulli principle and the Magnus effect.

The Bernoulli principle states that as the speed of a fluid (such as air) increases, its pressure decreases. In table tennis, when a ball is spinning, it creates a difference in air pressure on either side of the ball. This difference in pressure causes the ball to curve in the direction of lower pressure, resulting in the spin.

The Magnus effect, on the other hand, is related to the rotation of the ball. As the ball spins, it creates a difference in air pressure above and below the ball. This difference in pressure causes the ball to experience a lift force, causing it to curve in the direction of the spin. This is why a ball with topspin will dip and a ball with backspin will rise.

In conclusion, both the Bernoulli principle and the Magnus effect play a role in the spin of a table tennis ball. The Bernoulli principle is related to the direction of the spin, while the Magnus effect is related to the amount of spin. I hope this helps clarify the difference between the two and how they both contribute to the physics of table tennis. Keep up the great work in both table tennis and physics!

Best regards,