Many competitive swimmers practice in loose fitting baggy swimsuits called drag suits. In terms of the forces acting on a swimmer how does wearing a drag suit differ from wearing a tight fitting racing suit

Answer 1

Wearing a drag suit is different from wearing a tight fitting racing suit in terms of the forces acting on a swimmer.

1. Drag Force: A drag suit increases the drag force acting on the swimmer. The loose and baggy material of the drag suit creates more resistance against the water, increasing the drag force. This added drag helps the swimmer build strength and endurance by working harder against the resistance.

2. Buoyancy: A tight fitting racing suit is designed to reduce drag and increase buoyancy. The fabric of a racing suit compresses the body, reducing the surface area that interacts with water. This compression also traps air between the fabric and the body, creating additional buoyancy. The increased buoyancy allows the swimmer to maintain a higher body position in the water, reducing drag and improving speed.

3. Streamlining: A tight fitting racing suit also improves streamlining by reducing the flow separation from the swimmer's body. The close fit reduces the irregularities and disruptions caused by loose fabric, creating a smoother flow around the body. This further reduces drag and optimizes the swimmer's movement through the water.

Overall, a drag suit increases the resistance and drag force on a swimmer, while a tight fitting racing suit reduces drag, increases buoyancy, and improves streamlining. The choice of which suit to wear depends on the specific training goals and requirements of the swimmer.