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The Physics of Sports Geneva Middle School 25 February 2010. Physics explains things that are very, very small. Fermilab Accelerator Complex. Main Injector, 2 miles around. Tevatron, 4 miles around. Physics explains things that are very, very large.
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Fermilab Accelerator Complex Main Injector, 2 miles around Tevatron, 4 miles around
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?
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 Energy Kinetic Energy Compression Energy Heat and Sound Energy
Conservation of Momentum If m1 = m2, then v1 = v2
Equipment features • Ball material, size, shape, and texture • Properties of the club, bat, racquet, or stick
Momentum transferredEnergy stored and released David Rawlings, PGA Golf Professional http://golflessonslondon.wordpress.com/
Pole Vault Progress http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2002.web.dir/Daniel_Lenord/vault.html
Reaction Time in Baseball Courtesy of R. Adair through A. Nathan.
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