The Perfect Shuttlecock: Why Geese Are the Key to a Winning Flight
In The Perfect Shuttlecock: Why Geese Are the Key to a Winning Flight, host Harith Iskander explores the fascinating science behind the creation of shuttlecocks used in badminton. Did you know that only feathers from the left wings of geese are used to make shuttlecocks? These feathers are important because they spin clockwise, which helps the shuttlecock fly smoothly. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
Lesson Express
Q: Why are only feathers from the left wing of a goose used in making shuttlecocks?
A: Feathers from the left wing spin clockwise, which helps the shuttlecock fly straight and smoothly.
Q: What happens if feathers from both wings of a goose are used?
A: The shuttlecock won’t spin properly, affecting how it moves through the air.
Q: How does the spin of a shuttlecock help it fly?
A: The spin makes the shuttlecock more stable in the air, allowing it to travel smoothly and accurately.