Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

   
name         Jeffrey R.
status       student
age          12

Question -   Why does a tennis ball have fuzz? 
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The fuzz allows the ball to better interact with the air it is traveling in,
the playing surface, and the racquet. Think of the difference between
throwing (baseball) a fast ball and a curve ball. One would have to control
the seams of the ball so that it interacts with the air differently. Same
with a tennis ball. You can do a topspin or a slice or a side-spinning serve
and those will be easier to impart on the ball if it has fuzz.

Greg (Roberto Gregorius)
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