Applying the Science of Balls to Track & Field

Individuals seeking to understand the science of track and field have at their disposal a more traditional source of knowledge pertaining to the motion of balls.  

Reflection Question: How does the motion of a ball compare to the motion during the following track and field elements?

1. Running
2. Jumping
3. Throwing

The graphs below are excerpted from The Science of Balls: Volumes 1, 2, & 3 (Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved). 

Discussion Questions

1. What is the relevance of each graph to track and field? Name at least one event which is similar to each graph.
2. In Graph 1, how far does the ball travel?
3. What is the highest speed obtained by the ball in Graph 1?
4. Why does the acceleration change in Graph 1?
5. Sketch the motion of the ball in Graph 2. What is the trajectory?
6. Describe the shape of the velocity in Graph 2, and compare it to Graph 1. Why are they different?
7. Describe the shape of the acceleration in Graph 2, and compare it to Graph 1. Why are they different?
8. What is the shape of the curve in Graph 3? Describe the trajectory of the ball. 
9. What forces act on the ball in Graph 3? Are these different than in Graphs 1 or 2? If so, how?
10. How does the material construction affect the graphs? What would happen if the ball were made out of hard plastic? (The dodge ball is made out of foam.)

Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

Free Education Resources