Force, acceleration, and trajectory are essential in track and field. When understanding these concepts from physics, athletes can appreciate elements of technique learned from coaches.
The following graph is excerpted from The Science of Track & Field: Volume 1 (Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved).
Discussion Questions:
- What information is contained in this graph?
- Name several events from track and field which involve similar patterns of motion as described by this graph.
- What is the maximum height of the device?
- What occurs during the portion of the graph where no acceleration is recorded at all?
- Describe the trajectory of the device.
- What occurs at approximately 3 seconds?
- What forces act on the wireless device?
- What is the maximum force?
- What causes the maximum force to occur?
- How could the maximum force be reduced? Increased?
Additional Information
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?
- Running
- Jumping
- Throwing
The graphs below are excerpted from The Science of Balls: Volumes 1, 2, & 3 (Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved).
Discussion Questions
- What is the relevance of each graph to track and field? Name at least one event which is similar to each graph.
- In Graph 1, how far does the ball travel?
- What is the highest speed obtained by the ball in Graph 1?
- Why does the acceleration change in Graph 1?
- Sketch the motion of the ball in Graph 2. What is the trajectory?
- Describe the shape of the velocity in Graph 2, and compare it to Graph 1. Why are they different?
- Describe the shape of the acceleration in Graph 2, and compare it to Graph 1. Why are they different?
- What is the shape of the curve in Graph 3? Describe the trajectory of the ball.
- What forces act on the ball in Graph 3? Are these different than in Graphs 1 or 2? If so, how?
- 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
