C2 - Biomechanics Flashcards
What is a lever?
A lever is a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called the fulcrum to move a load with the application of force (effort).
What are the components of a lever system?
Fulcrum, Load, and Effort. The position of these components defines the type of lever.
How do you remember the orders of the components of levers?
123
FLE
How does the position of the fulcrum affect the type of lever?
The position of the fulcrum relative to the load and effort determines whether a lever is first, second, or third class.
What is mechanical advantage in a lever system?
Mechanical advantage is the ability of a lever to amplify the force applied. It depends on the relative distances of the load, effort, and fulcrum.
How does the mechanical advantage affect the movement of a lever?
A greater mechanical advantage allows for a greater force to move a load with less effort, while a lower mechanical advantage allows for greater speed and range of motion.
What is Newton’s First Law of Motion?
Law of Inertia: An object will stay at rest, or move at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force.
How does Newton’s First Law apply to sports performance?
Athletes must apply an external force to overcome inertia, such as pushing off the starting blocks in a sprint or changing direction in football.
What is Newton’s Second Law of Motion?
Law of Acceleration: The force on an object is directly proportional to its mass and acceleration (F = ma).
How does Newton’s Second Law relate to performance in sport?
The amount of force generated by an athlete determines their acceleration, meaning that for a given mass, higher force leads to faster acceleration.
What is Newton’s Third Law of Motion?
Action and Reaction: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
How does Newton’s Third Law apply in sport?
When a sprinter pushes off the ground, the ground pushes back with an equal force, propelling the athlete forward.
What is stability?
- State of equilibrium
- Ability of body to resist motion/remain at rest
What factors affect stability?
- Base of Support
- Centre of Mass
- Mass
- Posture/Alignment
How does the centre of mass affect stability?
The lower the centre of mass and the closer it is to the base of support, the more stable the body is.