π Why Does a Fan Keep Spinning After You Turn It Off?
π Why Does a Fan Keep Spinning After You Turn It Off?
– A breeze of Newtonian physics.
You hit the switch.
The fan stops spinning, right?
Nope. It keeps going… slowly… gradually… then finally comes to a stop.
Ever wondered why? Let’s spin into the answer.
π§ The Science in One Line:
Things that are moving… want to keep moving — unless something makes them stop.
That’s Newton’s First Law of Motion:
An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
π So why does the fan keep spinning?
Because:
It was already moving
No more electricity, sure — but nothing is stopping it immediately
There’s no sudden “brake” the moment you turn off the switch.
π What does make it stop?
Two invisible forces:
Air resistance – The fan blades push against air → air pushes back
Friction – Between fan parts (like the motor and bearings)
These slow it down over time.
No current + friction = goodbye momentum
π² Same reason a bicycle keeps moving after you stop pedaling!
Your legs stop — but the bike rolls on.
The ground and air slowly pull it to a halt.
Same law. Same science. Different ride. π΄♂️
⚙️ Try this:
Spin a fidget spinner. π
Time how long it keeps rotating.
Now, add a bit of oil (or don't).
Repeat.
You’ll feel the difference in friction.
π― Final thought:
When something keeps moving without energy, that’s not magic.
That’s inertia.
- Sharadhvi Tirakannavar
Nice Explanation
ReplyDeleteInformative!
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