Centre of mass Flashcards
What is the definition of centre of mass?
The point at which the body is balanced in all directions
OR
The point from which weight/gravity appears to act
What gender generally has a higher centre of mass?
Males as they are generally taller and have a larger upper body (main body mass is shoulders while in women it’s hips)
What sports require a low centre of mass?
Sports that require balance such as gymnastics
What sports would a high centre of mass be better than a low centre of mass?
Sports such as high jump
Where is the centre of mass located when in the upright anatomical position?
Around the belly button
What is the location of the centre of mass dependent on?
The distribution of the body mass
Why is the centre of mass not being fixed useful?
It can be manipulated to improve technique by altering body position.
Key points when talking about the Fosbury flop technique
J-curve - greater velocity on approach
Plant outside foot, lift leg and arm - raises centre of mass
Hyperextended back, head and legs below hips - lowers CoM to below bar
More efficient as CoM goes under bar while performer goes over
Only 1 part of body goes over bar at a time
Definition of stability
The ability of the body to resist motion and remain at rest - To withstand force and return to its original balanced position
What is stability dependent on?
The height of the centre of mass
Size of the base of support
Position of the line of gravity
Mass of the body
What do you say if something is balanced?
Low centre of mass
__ wide bases of support
Line of gravity is far within base
Large mass so is balanced
Definition of line of gravity?
An imaginary line extending from the centre of mass down to the ground
What happens to stability as it gets further within the base of support
Stability increases
What happens when the line of gravity moves outside the base of support?
The force of gravity and and mass of the body act upon the centre of mass causing the body to become unstable, this is termed an eccentric force
