Biomechanical Principles & Technology

Question 1

Define Newton’s first law

Answer 1

A body continues in a state of rest or uniform velocity unless acted upon by an external or unbalanced force

Question 2

Define inertia

Answer 2

Resistance of a body to change its state of motion

Question 3

Define velocity

Answer 3

Rate of change in displacement

Question 4

Define Newton’s 2nd law

Answer 4

A body’s rate of change in momentum is proportional to the size of the force applied and acts in the same direction as the force applied

Question 5

What is momentum and how would you calculate it?

Answer 5

Quantity of motion possessed by a moving body

(Mass X Velocity)

measured in kgm/s

Question 6

Define Newton’s 3rd law

Answer 6

For every action force applied to a body there is an equal and opposite reaction force

Question 7

What are the 5 effects force can have on an objects?

Answer 7

1. Create motion
2. Accelerate a body
3. Decelerate a body
4. Change direction of a body
5. Change the shape of a body

Question 8

What is net force?

Answer 8

The same of all forces acting on a body

Question 9

What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced force?

Answer 9

Balanced = no change in motion as all forces are equal

Unbalanced = change in motion due to one or more forces being greater than the rest acting in a body

Question 10

What are the 2 vertical forces that can act on a body?

Answer 10

Weight and reaction force

Question 11

What are the 2 horizontal forces that act on a body?

Answer 11

Friction and air resistance

Question 12

How many reaction force arrows would you draw for someone performing a handstand?

Answer 12

2: one from each hand

Question 13

What is limb kinematics?

Answer 13

Study of movement using 3D or motion analysis (think table tennis balls on an athletes joints!)

Question 14

How can force plates benefit an athlete? Think of an example too.

Answer 14

Can be used to assess the size and direction of forces acting on an athlete. Also analyses acceleration rates, work and lower output. Explosive athletes will gain a wealth of information.

Question 15

Limb kinematics and force plates are 2 pieces of technology used in sport biomechanics. What is the third?

Answer 15

Wind tunnels to assist athletes train in aerodynamics

Question 16

How could a cyclist minimise air resistance?

Answer 16

Lycra/ skin tight clothing, aerodynamic position, aero foil shaped helmet, light bike

Question 17

Define centre of mass

Answer 17

Point at which a body is balanced in all directions

Question 18

If an athlete raises their arms up, what happens to their centre of mass?

Answer 18

It increases in height

Question 19

What are the 4 main factors affecting stability?

Answer 19

Mass of the body
Height of the centre of mass
Base of support
Line of gravity

Question 20

How might line of gravity impact on an athletes stability?

Answer 20

More stable if line of gravity falls within base of support (e.g. GS in netball taking a shot).
Less stable if line of gravity falls outside the base of support (e.g. GK in netball defending a shot).