Law of BadmintonRicardo RobleroAward: Top 100
School: san lorenzo high school My photo represents the center of mass and balance, torque and stability, friction, Gravitational force and perspective/optics. All of these concepts of physics were applied to this photo about a shuttlecock (birdie) resting on top of a badminton net without falling from the position that the photo shows. The Shuttlecock is resting on the narrow top of the badminton net, which requires it to be balanced. The center of mass of the shuttlecock must be directly above the net's edge (or very close) for it to stay in place without tipping. The base of the shuttlecock (usually cork or rubber) is heavier than the feathered skirt, so its center of mass is closer to the base. If the shuttlecock is tilted even slightly off-center, torque caused by gravity could cause it to rotate and fall off. The Shuttlecock still resting suggests that it's wedged lightly, the net has some friction that causes it to be in a very stable position. Dealing with the friction, if the surface were too smooth, gravity would pull it down immediately, due to the texture it causes it to resist slipping. Gravity is a very important part of this event causing the shuttlecock to be constantly pulled towards the center of the earth leading to have force or its gravity always in the net, also the net provides a normal force that helps regulate the gravity in the shuttlecock to stay stable and centered. The tension of the net helps having a more firm surface so the shuttlecock can rest on. This photo took place during a badminton practice game. The rally was constant during the game until one of the players decided to do a net leading to the shuttlecock getting on top of the net but it was smoothly and gently falling causing the position of the shuttlecock to stay balanced in the net. 
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