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Which principle of hydrodynamics deals with the resistance of water against a moving body?

  1. Buoyancy

  2. Drag

  3. Propulsion

  4. Inertia

The correct answer is: Drag

The principle that addresses the resistance of water against a moving body is drag. Drag is a type of force that acts opposite to the direction of motion of an object moving through a fluid, such as water. It plays a crucial role in hydrodynamics, as it affects the speed and efficiency of swimming or any movement through water. Understanding drag is essential for instructors, as it helps in teaching swimmers about body positioning, stroke technique, and overall movement efficiency in the water. Factors such as the swimmer's body shape, velocity, and surface area impact the amount of drag experienced. Other concepts, such as buoyancy, involve the upward force that counteracts an object’s weight in water, whereas propulsion relates to the forward force generated by swimmers to move through the water. Inertia, on the other hand, refers to an object's resistance to change in its state of motion. These principles, while important, do not directly relate to the resistance encountered while moving through water as drag does.