Physics of Golf Presented by: Tyler Merkel and Heath Noess

Golf History Originated from a game played off the coast of Scotland First played during the 15th century Influenced by Kolven from Holland and Chole from Belgium Changed from hitting pebbles to hitting golf balls

Objects in Motion Golf ball and club are only main objects in motion People do not move around a lot Main focus on golf ball and it’s flight

Average Speed Speeds may vary depending upon the player and golf club Speed = Distance/Time Speed = 175/8 Speed = 22.22y/s

Acceleration Important because it determines the distance of the shot Acceleration is a change in speed or direction Accel. = Change in Velocity/Time Accel. = 22.22/8 Accel. = 2.78y/s/s

Momentum Momentum = Mass*Velocity Momentum = 45.7*22.22 Momentum = 2.06g*y/s

Newton’s 1st Law A body at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. Golf ball doesn’t move until hit and doesn’t stop until air resistance, gravity, and friction stops it. A body in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.

Newton’s 2nd Law Explains how force, mass, and acceleration are related Force equals mass times acceleration. Mass of the golf ball times acceleration of golf club equals distance ball will travel

Newton’s 3rd Law When the club hits the ball the club exerts a force on the ball, and the ball exerts a force on the club For every action there is an equal, opposite reaction.

Tip: Don’t hit the ball into the water. Forces of Golf Forces: Gravity, friction, speed, velocity, momentum, and acceleration. His feet are a balanced force because the ground is pushing up with the same amount of force as his feet are pushing down His club is an unbalanced force because the force exerted on the ball is greater than the force exerted on the club Balanced Force Unbalanced Force Tip: Don’t hit the ball into the water.

Weight Classes? Weight doesn’t really matter in this sport, however it’s helpful to be in shape

Friction Friction is a force which opposes motion Friction is undesirable when you don’t hit the ball far enough and want it to keep going but it stops Friction is desirable when you want the ball to stop

The work equation is: Work = Force*Distance Work is performed by simply walking a golf course Work is also done by swinging a golf club Work = 2*5798 Work = 11,596 foot-pounds Work = 2*4 Work = 8 foot-pounds

The power equation is: Power = Work/Time The amount of power exerted from walking an 18 hole golf course The amount of power exerted from swinging a golf club Power = 8/1.38 Power = 5.80 Watts Power = 11596/4 Power = 2899 Watts

Machines In Golf? A golf club is a simple machine It is a 3rd class lever

Kinetic-Potential Energy There is maximum potential energy at the top of the backswing Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy when the ball is hit The maximum kinetic energy happens right before the ball is struck

Golf An Exercise? While it’s true golf is not the best exercise, it is still an exercise The typical person burns 396 calories playing golf for one hour

Golf On The Moon? If you were to play golf on the moon, the ball would travel a lot farther because the moon has 1/6 the gravity as on Earth. It would also require less effort, because there is less resistance as you are swinging.

Ways To Improve Your Game Understand how momentum, acceleration, and speed can improve your swing Understand how exerting a stronger force on the ball, while still controlling the shot will increase distance Practice, practice, practice