Post on 19-Jan-2016
description
The Physics of Sports
Physics explains
things that are very,
very small.
Physics explains things that are very, very large.
Physics explains things that are right in front of us.
Newton’s First Law
• Objects at rest remain at rest
• Objects in motion remain in motion
UNTIL YOU APPLY A FORCE
Newton’s Second Law
F = ma
What forces are important in sports?
Flight Path
The Home Run Swing
• Ball arrives on 100 downward trajectory
• Andre Dawson and Frank Thomas swing up at 250
• Ball takes off at 350
The optimum home run angle!
Courtesy of A. Nathan, University of Illinois. http://www.npl.uiuc.edu/~a-nathan/pob/
Newton’s Third Law
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Conservation of Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic EnergyKinetic Energy
Compression Energy
Heat and Sound Energy
Conservation of Momentum
If m1 = m2 , then v1 = v2
• Ball material, size, shape, and texture
• Properties of the club, bat, racquet, or stick
Equipment features
How fast can you throw a
ball?
Momentum transferredEnergy stored and released
David Rawlings, PGA Golf Professionalhttp://golflessonslondon.wordpress.com/
Hockey Slap Shot
http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2002.web.dir/Daniel_Lenord/vault.html
Pole Vault Progress
Air Resistance (drag)
FRICTION
Resistance & Friction
The Power of Spin
Spins in Figure Skating
Reaction Time
Downhill skier speed: 80 mph
Reaction Time in Baseball
Courtesy of R. Adair through A. Nathan.
Measure your reaction time…
Compare your reaction time…
Equation used: t = √((2d)/g)
Physical laws explain the world
• Newton’s Laws of Motion• Conservation of Energy• Conservation of Momentum
These laws help us explain everything about sports, but there is more to learn.
Physics really is everywhere!
Visit Fermilabwww.fnal.gov
• Buffalo viewing
• Bicycling
• Walking
• Roller blading
• Canoeing
• Fishing
Visit Fermilab
• Lederman Science Center
• Tours
• Saturday morning physics
• Ask a Scientist
On-line activities:ed.fnal.gov
The Physics of Sports