Drag

Drag is a term with several meanings used in science and culture. In physics, drag refers to the resistive force that opposes an object's motion through a fluid such as air or water. In performance and popular culture, drag denotes the art of dressing and behaving in a way that exaggerates or parodies gender, typically by a performer known as a drag queen or drag king.

In fluid dynamics, drag arises from two main mechanisms: pressure differences around the object (form or pressure drag) and viscous shear on surfaces (skin-friction drag). For wings and streamlined bodies, induced drag also plays a role at nonzero lift. The total drag force is often expressed as F_d = 1/2 ρ v^2 C_d A, though C_d depends on shape, surface texture, flow regime, and Reynolds number. Drag increases with velocity and fluid density, and decreases with streamlined design and smoother surfaces. In automotive, aviation, and naval engineering, reducing drag improves efficiency and performance, while in some contexts intentional drag can be desirable for stability or control.

Drag coefficient varies widely with geometry and flow; laminar and turbulent regimes affect drag; at high speeds shock waves can create wave drag.

Cultural drag: Drag performance uses clothing, makeup, and mannerisms to reinterpret gender. It has roots in theatre and LGBTQ+ communities and has grown into a broader art form with clubs, television, and film. Discussions around drag include issues of representation, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity.

Other uses: In motorsports and sailing, drag is a key factor; drag racing tests performance under high-speed conditions, while hull and body design seek to minimize drag to maximize speed.