Aerostatics

/ˌɛərəˈstætɪks/ noun

Definition

The branch of science that studies gases at rest, air pressure, and the principles that make lighter-than-air craft possible.

Etymology

From 'aerostatic' with the '-ics' suffix indicating a scientific discipline. This field of study emerged in the 17th-18th centuries as scientists developed theories about air and buoyancy.

Kelly Says

Aerostatics is the older sibling of aerodynamics—while aerodynamics studies air in motion around fast-moving objects, aerostatics studies stationary air and why things float in it. The Montgolfier brothers didn't need aerodynamics to invent the hot air balloon; they just needed to understand aerostatics.

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