Slashdot | Physicists Finally Solve the Falling-Paper Problem

Slashdot | Physicists Finally Solve the Falling-Paper Problem
neutron_p writes “The so-called “falling paper” problem has long intrigued scientists. James C. Maxwell pondered the tumbling motions of playing cards in 1853. Why don’t flat things fall straight down? Pieces of paper fall down, then rise into the air, then glide along, then again rise… It occurs in a seemingly chaotic manner. Now researchers at Cornell University have solved the falling paper problem by calculating the motions of a scientific journal page in flight and there were a few surprises.” There’s also a story in the Cornell Sun.