coefficient of drag

Friendly

Word: Coefficient of Drag

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The coefficient of drag is a number that helps us understand how much air resistance (or "drag") a moving object experiences compared to its speed and size. In simpler terms, it tells us how easily something can move through the air. A lower coefficient means less drag (so it’s easier to move), while a higher coefficient means more drag (making it harder to move).

Usage Instructions:

You typically use "coefficient of drag" in discussions about physics, engineering, or aerodynamics, especially when talking about vehicles like cars, airplanes, or even sports equipment.

Example:

• "The coefficient of drag for the new car model is lower than the previous one, which means it will use less fuel when driving fast."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions, you may encounter formulas or theories related to the coefficient of drag, such as how it can change based on the shape of an object or its surface texture. For instance: - "The aerodynamic design of the airplane significantly reduced its coefficient of drag, leading to increased fuel efficiency."

Word Variants:

• Drag Coefficient (another term for the same concept)
• Drag (referring to the resistance itself)

Different Meaning:

While "coefficient of drag" specifically relates to air resistance, "coefficient" on its own can refer to any numerical measure that describes a relationship or property in mathematics or science, such as a coefficient in algebra that indicates how much one variable affects another.

Synonyms:

• Drag Coefficient
• Air Resistance Ratio

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "coefficient of drag," but you might hear related phrases in engineering contexts like: - "Cut through the air" (to move easily without much drag) - "Take off" (in the context of an airplane gaining speed and overcoming drag)

Summary:

In short, the "coefficient of drag" is a useful concept in understanding how objects move through air, especially in fields like engineering and physics.

Academic

Noun

1. the ratio of the drag on a body moving through air to the product of the velocity and the surface area of the body

Synonyms

• drag coefficient