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
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?
Energy in the baseball/bat collision
Energy in the baseball/bat collision
The Home Run Swing
• Ball arrives on 100 downward trajectory
• Big Mac swings 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.
Newton’s Third Law
Conservation of Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic EnergyKinetic Energy
Compression Energy
Heat and Sound Energy
Conservation of Momentum
If m1 = m2 , then v1 = v2
Conservation of Momentum
• Ball material, size, shape, and texture
• Properties of the club, bat, racquet, or stick
Equipment features
http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2002.web.dir/Daniel_Lenord/vault.html
Air Resistance (drag)
Resistance & Friction
The Power of Spin
Spins in Figure Skating
Spins in Figure Skating
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 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: www-ed.fnal.gov
The Physics of Sports