The Physics of Sports
Main Injector, 2 miles around Tevatron, 4 miles around Fermilab
Argonne National Laboratory
Physics explains things that are very, very large.
Physics explains things that are very, very small.
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 First Law
Objects tend to resist a change in motion. This is called: Inertia
Newton’s Second Law This is an equation F = (something) X (something)
Newton’s Second Law F = ma Force = mass X acceleration What forces are important in sports?
Flight Path
Energy in the baseball/bat collision
The Home Run Swing Ball arrives on 10 0 downward trajectory Big Mac swings up at 25 0 Ball takes off at 35 0 The optimum home run angle! Courtesy of A. Nathan, University of Illinois.
Newton’s Third Law For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Newton’s Third Law
Conservation of Energy Potential Energy Kinetic Energy Compression Energy Heat and Sound Energy
Conservation of Momentum If m 1 = m 2, then v 1 = v 2
Conservation of Momentum
Ball material, size, shape, and texture Properties of the club, bat, racquet, or stick Equipment features
Air Resistance (drag)
FRICTIONFRICTION
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. Physics really is everywhere!
Visit Fermilab Buffalo viewing Bicycling Walking Roller blading Canoeing Fishing
Visit Fermilab Lederman Science Center Tours Saturday morning physics Ask a Scientist On-line activities: www-ed.fnal.gov
The Physics of Sports